IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Samuel Odle, executive VP and COO at Indiana University Health, plans to retire July 13 after 31 years with the Indianapolis-based system. Odle also serves as president and CEO at IU Health Methodist and University hospitals. IU Health was formerly named Clarian Health and changed names last year. “It has been a privilege to serve the patients and families who have come to our health system seeking care and comfort,” Odle said in a news release. “I look forward to staying engaged in many ways to improve our community, as well as enjoying more time with my family and friends.” Odle, 62, joined Methodist Hospital in 1981 as VP of operations. Officials credit him with playing a pivotal role in the creation of the system’s pathology laboratory and its upcoming neuroscience center that’s set to open in the fall. He served in 2005 as chairman of the American College of Healthcare Executives. In an article for Modern Healthcare that year, he recalled that his first job in healthcare was as an X-ray technician and that curiosity for new challenges led to a commitment to lifelong learning he found crucial to success as a hospital executive.
In 2006, Modern Healthcare ranked Odle No. 94 on its 100 Most Powerful People in Healthcare and named him as one of its Top 25 Minority Executives in Healthcare.
“Sam’s visionary leadership has helped grow the Indiana University Health system, inspired and motivated countless employees and made a lasting impact on the local and national healthcare communities,” Daniel Evans Jr., IU Health’s president and CEO, said in the release. “We wish Sam and his family all of the best and thank him for his commitment to IU Health.”