Photo Courtesy: Holland Basham Architects for Methodist Health System
When Josie Abboud, FACHE, stepped into her role as President and CEO of Methodist Health System on January 1, 2026, she wasn’t stepping into the unknown.
She’s spent three decades at Methodist, rising through the ranks in clinical, operational, and executive leadership roles. Now, as the newest leader of one of the region’s most trusted institutions, she’s bringing a steady hand and a fresh perspective to an Omaha mainstay.
“For 135 years, Methodist has been a constant in a city defined by growth,” Abboud said. “It’s more than a health system. It’s a community promise built on connection, compassion, and a relentless drive to improve.”
Known for its signature approach to compassionate care – The Meaning of Care – Methodist has grown into a major regional employer and nationally recognized health system. With more than 800 licensed beds, over 1,000 physicians, and a footprint that includes four hospitals, 30+ clinics, a nursing and allied health college, and community services across Nebraska and Iowa, its impact is both deep and wide.
Yet despite its size and scale, the focus remains simple: exceptional care, meaningful connection, and a culture that puts people first.
Health Care with a Human Touch
Methodist’s Meaning of Care isn’t just focused on patients and their experience. It’s something that shapes the organization from the inside out.
“Our superpower is our people and the culture they create,” Abboud said. “We attract and retain talent because we offer more than a job. We offer purpose, connection, and belonging.”
Methodist’s commitment to employees and community runs through everything it does. From patient rooms to classrooms to boardrooms, the system fosters an environment where individuals feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves.
It’s this culture that has made Methodist not just a great place to receive care, but a great place to build a career.
Investing in the Future of Care
As Methodist looks ahead to 2026 and 2027, its strategic focus centers on three pillars: access, experience, and innovation.
That means expanding clinical capacity across the system by building on recent and ongoing projects such as:
● Major renovations at Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital
● The new Methodist Physicians Clinic – North Streams
● A newly developed Radiation Oncology department at Methodist Fremont Health
● The Methodist Jennie Edmundson Behavioral Health hospital, slated to open in 2026
It also means investing in workforce development through Nebraska Methodist College and systemwide training programs. These ensure a strong pipeline of care professionals for years to come.
Methodist is also doubling down on innovation in its practice. The system is implementing digital health tools, robotic-assisted procedures, AI technologies, preventive screening software, and advanced care coordination systems to improve outcomes and patient experience.
“Our goal is to ensure that every patient receives seamless, high-quality care grounded in compassion and integrity,” Abboud said.
Strength in Community
Methodist’s deep roots in Omaha are part of what makes its leadership so vital to the region’s growth. It’s also what makes the system’s perspective so valuable.
“Omaha is a city where connection still matters,” Abboud said. “People look out for one another, and purpose-driven work is valued. Methodist reflects that exact spirit.”
As a Chamber partner and investor, Methodist brings more than health care expertise to the table. It brings a collaborative mindset and a belief in building a stronger, more equitable community.
“We value the Chamber’s leadership development programs, workforce initiatives, and advocacy efforts,” Abboud said. “These programs help us grow leaders, attract top talent, and ensure that Omaha remains a vibrant, competitive place to live and work.”
That alignment between Methodist Health System, the Greater Omaha Chamber, and the regional community isn’t a coincidence. As Abboud puts it, “A strong business community and a strong health system go hand in hand.”
Leading with Heart
Abboud knows the challenges of modern health care. But she’s equally confident in the power of compassion and clarity to overcome them.
“In health care, I’ve learned that compassion and excellence are not competing priorities,” she said. “They strengthen one another.”
Her advice for other business leaders?
● Lead with purpose.
● Care for your people.
● Stay connected to the community that supports you.
“Omaha is built on relationships,” she said. “Nurture them. Collaborate generously. And never underestimate the impact of showing up with authenticity and heart.”