OHSU president Dr. Danny Jacobs announced Thursday he has decided to step down.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OHSU
Oregon Health & Science University President Dr. Danny Jacobs announced Thursday he has decided to step down.
OHSU’s board of directors intends to replace him with OHSU School of Medicine Dean Nate Selden, a pediatric neurosurgeon. The board will vote on a resolution to appoint Selden for a three-year term at their regular meeting Friday.
But officials in Gov. Tina Kotek’s office said she opposes the resolution and wants the board to take more time choosing a replacement.
“The Governor believes the timeline put forward to appoint a new president compromises the future of the institution and that it would be a mistake to push through a decision of this magnitude without appropriate due diligence,” spokesperson Elisabeth Shepard wrote in an email early Friday.
Jacobs has said he will step down as soon as his successor is confirmed.
“I have shared my recommendations on succession planning with him and fully intend to stay engaged in an advisory role during the transition,” Jacobs said in an email to staff, shared with OPB.
Jacobs cited personal reasons for his decision to resign.
During his tenure, Jacobs led OHSU through a series of major disruptions: the COVID-19 pandemic, a 2021 investigation into the university health system’s culture that found it was permissive of discrimination and harassment, and, more recently, rising labor costs and financial headwinds. OHSU laid off more than 400 employees over the summer.
His departure comes as OHSU is seeking regulatory approval to acquire Legacy Health, one of its major competitors in the Portland metro area.
“I am pleased to have had the opportunity to serve OHSU and the state of Oregon. My wife, Nancy, and I wish everyone the best of all things for the future,” he said in a statement.