By Tracey Drury – Senior Reporter, Buffalo Business First
Apr 12, 2024
Just under two years after naming a new president, the Upper Allegheny Health System is beginning a national leadership search.
The health system, a member of Kaleida Health that includes hospitals in both Olean and across the state border in Bradford, Pennsylvania, confirmed Jill Owens will step down as president of Upper Allegany to return to private medical practice when a new leader is named.
Owens started in the position in May 2022. A practicing physician in the Bradford area for over 20 years and medical director for Upper Allegheny’s physician networks, she also served as chief medical officer for the system. Owens will remain on staff as a hospitalist practicing at both hospital campuses.
Upper Allegheny has gone through several leaders in recent years following the retirement of longtime leader Tim Finan, who led the two hospitals through a merger and later, its alignment in early 2017 with Buffalo-based Kaleida Health.
Jeff Zewe served in the position for just over a year, followed by Mary LaRowe, who took the reins on an interim basis during the search while serving as then-CEO at Brooks-TLC Hospital System.
With revenue of $175 million, Upper Allegheny has struggled financially in recent years. Despite ending the year with a small surplus in 2021, the system reported a $25 million deficit in 2022, the most recent year for which federal tax filings are available.
Muhammed Javed, board chair for Upper Allegheny, said the system saw a series of enhancements during Owens’ tenure, including improvements in quality, patient and employee satisfaction, growth initiatives and accreditation transitions.