OU Health Redesigns HR Structure

With new structure, OU Health aims to become Oklahoma’s 'employer of choice.'

OU Health in Oklahoma City is redesigning its human resources structure to build a culture of excellence with the goal to become Oklahoma’s “employer of choice.”

Key strategies in the multi-year HR roadmap to achieve that goal include ensuring employees have the tools required to fulfill career aspirations, along with a reward system “in return for delivering an exceptional experience for team members, patients, and the communities we serve,” according to an announcement from the health system.

The redesign follows the layoff of nearly 100 employees in January.

As with other health systems, workforce shortages remain a challenge for OU Health, Carolyn Kloek, MD, the new inaugural chief medical officer told HealthLeaders.

“Our providers, nursing staff, and other key pieces of the healthcare workforce are stretched thin,” she said. “We need to continue to do everything we can to support members of our healthcare workforce and get creative in the ways that we design and deliver care at OU Health.”

The new organizational structure will be led by Jimmy Duncan, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, the inaugural chief HR officer who joined the health system in January 2023.

Those newly named to Duncan’s team are:

• David Conkerite II, vice president talent development & organizational effectiveness. Conkerite will develop systems to improve culture, talent, and organizational performance to achieve recognition of being a best place to work.   
• Berta Lundberg, vice president Total Rewards. Lundberg will manage the Total Rewards program’s five pillars: health, wealth, well-being, recognition, and career journey.
• Taylor McCorkell, vice president human resources. McCorkell will serve as the workforce voice and provide strategic consultation to leadership on people and culture initiatives.
• Rachel Bolton, administrative director talent acquisition. Bolton will implement systems to make OU Health the “first and best option” for healthcare candidates.
• Levi King, associate vice president human resources strategy & performance. King will serve as the strategic thought leader for HR to ensure all initiatives are achieved.

The new leadership structure will ensure “people, culture, and performance excellence for OU Health,” Duncan said. “This is a crucial step in building a comprehensive HR system and transforming our organization to achieve success.”