Methodist President and CEO Steve Goeser honored with Nebraska Hospital Association’s 2025 Excellence in Service Award

The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) has named Steve Goeser, president and CEO of Methodist Health System (MHS), the recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Service Award.

The award, which was announced during the 98th annual NHA Convention Awards Banquet last week, recognizes a Nebraska hospital executive who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, professional performance and organizational involvement.

Additionally, longtime Methodist board member Larry Pearson was honored with the NHA’s Trustee of the Year Award.

Goeser ‘set the standard for excellence’

Goeser, who will retire from MHS in December after 21 years of distinguished leadership, was recognized for his transformative impact on the organization and his decades of service to health care advocacy at the state and national levels.

“The Excellence in Service Award celebrates leaders who set the standard for excellence, and there is no more deserving recipient than Steve Goeser,” said Jeremy Nordquist, NHA president. “His calm and steady hand guided Methodist Health System through periods of significant growth and change, making strategic investments that have secured high-quality care for countless patients across the region. He is a true exemplar of professional performance.”

Goeser has been instrumental in shaping Methodist’s strategic direction. He served for many years on the Nebraska Hospital Association Board, including a term as chairman, where he helped address challenges facing hospitals throughout the state. His national policy work included testifying before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging regarding Medicare reform and briefing congressional aides.

“Beyond his remarkable achievements at Methodist, Steve’s profound commitment to advocacy on the state and national stage has created a lasting legacy for the entire health care community,” Nordquist said. “His willingness to mentor aspiring health leaders and step up to address complex policy challenges, from the NHA board to the U.S. Senate, is truly commendable.”

In reflecting on the award, Goeser was quick to credit others with helping him and MHS find success.

“I am very honored and humbled to receive this award,” Goeser said. “These recognitions are never an individual honor but a reflection of our entire management team that I am very proud to serve with.”

Goeser will be succeeded by Josie Abboud, FACHE, who currently serves as executive vice president of MHS and president and CEO of Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital. In her decades with the health system, she’s seen Goeser’s positive impact firsthand.

“Steve Goeser has left his mark on the success of Methodist Health System over the last 20-plus years,” she said. “His unwavering dedication and commitment to the strategic direction and growth of Methodist has been remarkable, and we will always be grateful for his leadership.”

Pearson named Trustee of the Year

Larry Pearson, who received the NHA’s Trustee of the Year Award, has served Methodist for 21 years. Over that time, he spent time on the boards of Nebraska Methodist Health System, Methodist Hospital, Methodist Physicians Clinic and Methodist Hospital Foundation.

Leaders like Pearson, Goeser said, are critical to sustained success across MHS.

“Larry has been very involved with our system’s growth and expansion for more than 20 years,” Goeser said. “His insight and leadership have been invaluable, and I can’t think of a better recipient for this award.”

Abboud described Pearson as a tireless champion for patient care excellence and passionate supporter of the Methodist caregivers who make it possible.

 “Larry exemplifies the very best in hospital governance,” she said. “His own experience and successful career at Tenaska was a great resource for Methodist. His leadership reflects a deep appreciation for the importance of health care as a cornerstone of community well-being, and his work ensures that Methodist remains strong, innovative and patient-centered.”