When Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, was chosen as the next president of the University of Nebraska system, it left two high-profile leadership roles to fill: UNMC chancellor and chair of the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors. Following the naming of Dele Davies, MD, to the role of interim chancellor (see a message from Dr. Davies), the board has unanimously voted to make its next chair Jim Linder, MD, CEO of Nebraska Medicine. He begins this new role immediately in addition to continuing his duties as CEO. Dr. Linder’s new title is Nebraska Medicine CEO and chair of the board.
“Dr. Gold provided outstanding leadership since Nebraska Medicine was organized 10 years ago. He can now bring transformative leadership to the University of Nebraska System,” Dr. Linder said. “I am immensely pleased to work with the Nebraska Medicine board members. The board and its subcommittees include some of the best business minds and community leaders. Their contributions are unmatched as we meet our missions as an academic medical center and provider of the best health care to Nebraska.”
The board of directors has sole responsibility for the governance of Nebraska Medicine, an independent, nonprofit organization. The board is made up of leaders in business, health care and academics – including leaders with deep ties to UNMC and Clarkson College. Dr. Davies, as interim UNMC chancellor, also becomes a voting member of the board.
“It’s difficult to think of someone better suited to serve as board chair than Dr. Linder,” said Mogens Bay, chairman of Valmont Industries and vice-chair of the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors. “He brings experience in leading clinical care, research and education, as well as years of work in the business and philanthropy communities. The board also recognizes Dr. Linder’s skill as a mentor and someone who will develop the leaders of the future.”
Dr. Linder has been Nebraska Medicine CEO since 2018 and part of the UNMC faculty for more than 40 years. His past leadership roles include interim roles as president of the University of Nebraska System and dean of the UNMC College of Medicine. His research efforts led to new screening technologies that reduced the incidence of cervical cancer, as well as the development of a hematology instrument that enabled the rapid diagnosis of blood disorders. Dr. Linder and his wife, Karen, co-lead Linseed Capital and co-chair the University of Nebraska Foundation’s “Only in Nebraska” campaign, which is in the process of raising $1 billion in charitable support for Nebraska Medicine and UNMC.
The Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors is profiled in the About Us section of NebraskaMed.com. Being a Nebraska Medicine board member carries great responsibility; however, its members are not paid for their membership and service on the board.
Congratulations, Jim.
Carol Russell