BRADFORD, PA; OLEAN, NY – The Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS) Board of Directors today announced a nationwide search for a new hospital president.

The role is currently held by Jill Owens, MD, a Bradford native and local physician. She will return to private medical practice once a new president has been named and to help ensure a smooth and successful transition.

“When I was asked to step up and take on this role, I never imagined the challenges that we would face. Healthcare was in crisis and our two hospitals were struggling like most in the industry were,” said Dr. Owens. “With the new management team now in place and over 1,300 caring and compassionate individuals throughout the organization, UAHS is destined for future success. It’s time to hand off the baton to a seasoned healthcare leader who can take us to the next level of growth.”

Muhammed Javed, MD, Chair of the UAHS Board said, “We thank Dr. Owens for her service and stepping in at a key time for us. During her time, UAHS saw a multitude of enhancements for the healthcare system. This includes nursing and physician recruitment, improvements in quality, patient and employee satisfaction, numerous growth initiatives plus an accreditation transition to DNV Healthcare.”

Dr. Owens isn’t stepping away from UAHS entirely. She will still remain a physician on staff in the healthcare system practicing at both hospital campuses’ as a hospitalist.

Previously the system’s chief medical officer, Dr. Owens was named UAHS president in May 2022. Throughout her tenure as president, Dr. Owens built a new leadership team that helped lead the healthcare system’s financial and operational turnaround.

Dr. Owens said, “I’m so grateful for our team throughout UAHS, community members and business leaders, elected officials on both sides of the border and both sides of the aisle, the healthcare leaders in both Pennsylvania and New York, and countless others who supported me and these hospitals through this difficult journey. While there’s still work to do, the efforts of everyone working together has made it possible for our region to continue to have access to local and high-quality healthcare.”

Under the leadership of Jill Owens, MD, president, UAHS, the healthcare organization has spent two years advancing healthcare for region.