Opportunity came knocking, Shaw answered the call

Cory Shaw’s first, post-graduate professional position began July 1, 1993, when he joined what is now known as Nebraska Medicine. Back then, he didn’t imagine he would be with one organization for so many years. Now, nearly 30 years later, he didn’t think he’d be leaving a place where he’d been a part of so much growth and change.

The executive vice president-chief operating officer’s last day with Nebraska Medicine will be Wednesday, Nov. 30, after which he and his wife, Kristi, will relocate to the Cincinnati area.

After years of passing on recruiting calls, when a recent opportunity presented itself, Shaw decided to explore it. After an in-depth process, Shaw was selected to be the next president and chief executive officer for UC Health, an academic health system based in Cincinnati.

“While it’s always difficult to lose a leader so accomplished and admired, like Cory, it’s a flattering testament when another health system, particularly an academic one, approaches and recruits from our talented team,” said Nebraska Medicine CEO Jim Linder, MD. “While he will be missed, Cory is taking the next step he has earned to advance his remarkable career.”

As Shaw’s career progressed in Omaha, he continued to advance and take on bigger and broader roles. He was one of the several individuals who played a key role in the 1997 merger that brought together what was then University Hospital and Clarkson Hospital, along with the physician practice, to form the foundation for Nebraska Medicine.

The health system continued to grow and evolve over many years, both from internal and external forces, most recently, from the COVID-19 pandemic that brought unprecedented challenges to navigate. Shaw always approached those situations through his down-to-earth, pragmatic and collaborative leadership.

“I’m particularly proud that we have established Nebraska Medicine as a top performing and one of the most trusted academic health systems in the country,” Shaw said. “That was never more evident than during the pandemic as our expertise and capabilities were relied upon by health systems and government officials from around the world.”

A long-time member of the executive leadership team, Shaw has never forgotten the medical center colleagues and physicians who have been key to providing unmatched care in Nebraska and the region.

“Working with our colleagues, faculty, and leaders of Nebraska Medicine and UNMC has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined,” he said. “Over the past 29 years, I have been privileged to work with and learn from incredibly gifted, purpose-driven professionals. Those experiences have shaped who I am professionally and personally. For that I am eternally grateful.”

Michael Ash, MD, executive vice president-chief transformation officer, said Shaw has been a great friend and partner who challenged him to grow as a leader and was supportive.

“I feel very fortunate to have worked with Cory, and I will miss seeing him daily,” Dr. Ash said. “I know this was a tough decision for him because he cares a great deal about Nebraska Medicine and everyone here, but I’m incredibly proud of him as he pursues the next step in his career.”

Debra Romberger, MD, chair of the UNMC Department of Internal Medicine, said that Shaw’s departure will be felt across Nebraska Medicine and UNMC.

“It is hard for me to imagine Nebraska Medicine and UNMC without Cory,” Dr. Romberger said. “He has been a part of much clinical growth over the years, and he developed many trusting relationships with physicians that was part of creating that growth. He has shaped many of us and that will be a part of his legacy for a long time to come. I wish Cory all the best in his new role, and I know he will do a great job.”

Nebraska Medicine Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Daubert notes that Shaw has played a role in many things during his tenure here, including the creation and integration of the faculty practice plan, and he was a key thought leader that resulted in the creation of Nebraska Medicine. 

“Cory is an incredible leader and has left an imprint on the organization that will be here for years to come,” Daubert said. “I have learned so much from Cory, and I am happy for him and his new opportunity but also incredibly sad to see him go.”

As Shaw prepares for the next chapter in his professional career, he will follow Nebraska Medicine from afar, eager to see what the future holds for a place he called home for three decades.

“The future is definitely bright, and I look forward to watching Nebraska Medicine continue to lead the world,” he said.

Executive leadership plans are in the works to align teams, and more information will be shared early next week.