Chris Kratochvil, MD, has been named the new vice chancellor for external relations for UNMC, following Friday’s approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
Dr. Kratochvil has served as interim vice chancellor for external relations since the retirement of Bob Bartee at the end of 2022. His title change is effective immediately.
After completing a comprehensive review, UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, said there was unanimous agreement among the review committee in changing his title from interim to permanent.
“Chris has demonstrated time and again his prowess as a visionary leader, communicator and team player,” Dr. Gold said. “He has had multiple leadership roles at UNMC over the years and excelled in every one of them. I have no doubt he will continue to grow UNMC’s stature among our stakeholders, including our state and federal partners and the broader community.”
“I am truly honored for the opportunity to serve UNMC in this way,” Dr. Kratochvil said. “External relations covers a multitude of exciting and dynamic domains, and I am thrilled to be able to continue to work with the exceptional team of professionals who work in this office and across the organization.”
Since joining UNMC in 1999, Dr. Kratochvil has held several leadership positions, including associate vice chancellor for clinical research in 2010 and the first vice president for research for Nebraska Medicine in 2014. He served as executive director for clinical research at the Global Center for Health Security from 2019-2022 after helping establish that organization following the 2014 Ebola outbreak, and currently serves as senior advisor to the center.
A professor of psychiatry, Dr. Kratochvil previously focused his research experience on neuroscience drug development, and now includes collaborations with the National Strategic Research Institute. He chaired the Big Ten Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases and currently serves as a co-principal investigator of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Training, Simulation and Quarantine Center initiative. This work allowed him to develop extensive experience in government relations and strategic communications on both the state and federal level well before his transition to the interim vice chancellor for external relations role in 2022.
Dr. Kratochvil’s leadership roles have left him with a depth of experience in alumni and community relations, which he leveraged during his time in the interim vice chancellor of external communications role.
Congratulations and well deserved Chris! I look forward to your continued work in fostering stronger relationships with groups and individuals throughout the state and region.
Chris is a awesome guy and proud to call him my brother in law
Congrats Dr. Kratochvil!
Well deserved. Dr. Kratochvil has been and will continue to be an excellent advocate for UNMC!
Congratulations, Dr. Kratochvil!
Congrats Chris!
Congratulations, Dr. Kratochvil! Well deserved!!
Congratulations, Dr. Kratochvil!
Congratulations Chris – what an awesome opportunity!
Congratulations, Dr. Kratochvil! Yet another amazing accomplishment that will continue to serve UNMC well!
Congratulations, Dr. Kratochvil! We are fortunate to have your leadership and advocacy. There couldn’t be a better successor for Bob Bartee.
Congratulations, Dr. Kratochvil.
Congratulations Dr. Kratochvil!!
I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Kratochvil for nearly 15 years, and he is truly a class act and the definition of a lifelong learner. From division director in child psychiatry to Associate Vice Chancellor of Clinical Research and now Vice Chancellor for External Relations, his tremendous EQ, work ethic, vision, and diplomatic skills have made an impact from the NIH to the Big Ten to Congress. He is also a generous sponsor and mentor to generations of leaders, myself included. Well done, Chris!
Congratulations, Chris!
Congratulation Dr. Kratochvil! I have no doubt you will provide excellent representation for UNMC.
Congrats!
Great news for UNMC. Congratulations Dr. Kratochvil!
Congratulations Chris. You have been and will continue to do an outstanding job in this critical position.
Congratulations! Well deserved.
Congratulations Chris! I look forward to our continued work together.
Congratulations, Dr. Kratochvil !
CONGRATULATIONS DR. KRATOCHVIL !!
Congratulations, Chris. Well-deserved.
Congratulations, Dr. Kratochvil. I know you will continue to provide strong leadership to UNMC.
Congrats, Chris. They could not have selected a better person to fill Bob Bartee’s gigantic shoes.
Congratulations Dr. Kratochvil/Chris – you will do a terrific job in this role I predict. Best of luck in your new position!
Congratulations Chris !
Congratulations!
Wow! Congratulations! I knew today was going to be a great day. You are so deserving!!
Congratulations Chris! Honored to know you~