John Fraser Makes Becker's Hospital Review Top 130 CEOs List

CHICAGO — Becker's Hospital Review has published the 2015 edition of its list of "130 Nonprofit Hospital and Health System CEOs to Know" and John Fraser, Methodist Health System CEO, made the list, which features some of the most impressive presidents and CEOs in the healthcare’s nonprofit sector.

Fraser was joined on the list by fellow Nebraskan, Mark Klosterman of Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk.

The men and women on this list lead some of the largest, most successful and prominent nonprofit healthcare organizations in the country. They have overseen financial turnarounds, shown commitment to their community through memberships and governance involvement with various organizations, and helped advance the healthcare industry as a whole through their advocacy and professional efforts.

“I have worked for John for the past 7 1/2 years, said Linda Burt, CFO of Methodist Health System. “During this time Methodist Health System has grown significantly while, at the same time, improving the health system's balance sheet strength, which is a tremendous accomplishment given the many changes within health care the last several years. Not only has he guided us financially, but has also lead our organization through substantial construction projects to further enhance the services we provide to our patients in the region.”

John Fraser joined Methodist Health System (MHS) as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Methodist Hospital in 1991. He was named president and CEO of the hospital in 1997. 

During his tenure at Methodist Hospital, Fraser led the planning and construction of Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, as well as Methodist HealthWest. He was also instrumental in updating and maintaining the facility's clinical technology, including a $20-million renovation of the entire hospital.

In Fraser's time as the chief administrator, Methodist Hospital earned numerous awards and certifications-most notably, being awarded Magnet status by the American Nurses Association Nurses Credentialing Center-the first hospital so designated in the state of Nebraska.

Nebraska Methodist Hospital is also ranked #2 in Nebraska according to U.S. News and World Report, while also recognized as being high performing in 4 adult procedures/conditions.

Fraser remained at the helm of Methodist Hospital until 2007, when he was appointed president and CEO of Methodist Health System.

It was his leadership which guided Methodist Health System to construct the region’s only medical campus devoted to women’s health – when Methodist Women’s Hospital opened its doors in West Omaha in 2010.

He has successfully navigated the health system through information technology initiatives, made significant strides in financial stability, an influx of new patients system-wide due to a contractual dispute between an insurance provider and a competing health care system, expansion and renovation projects of existing facilities and well as new construction.

Methodist Health System is actively involved in the Enhance Health Network and the Nebraska Health Network, our accountable care alliance with Nebraska Medicine. Fraser is a board member of both organizations.

Fraser is also an involved leader in the community. He currently sits on the boards of directors of the Salvation Army; Boy Scouts of America, Mid-America Council; Midlands Choice, Nebraska Organ Recovery System, Inc., and Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation. He has also served in the House of Delegates for the American Hospital Association, and sat on the boards of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce; American Red Cross-Heartland Chapter; Nebraska Hospital Association; Hospice House of Omaha; Omaha Symphony and Hope Medical Outreach.

Prior to joining Methodist Hospital, Fraser served as senior vice president of medical and professional services at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas.