Nebraska Medicine Finalized New Shared Governance Board
The health system’s new leadership structure includes representatives from the University of Nebraska and the Omaha Community Foundation.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Healthcare
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The University of Nebraska Board of Regents and the Omaha Community Foundation have appointed eight members to the Nebraska Medicine board under a new shared governance model. This shift follows the system's previous ownership arrangement between the university and Clarkson.
Why it matters
The transition to shared governance marks a fundamental change in oversight for the health system as it manages the $2.19 billion Project Health development. This new structure balances university interests with private foundation involvement to support massive capital expansion and significant institutional debt.
The Nebraska Medicine board now includes eight new members, supporting a $2.19 billion Project Health development. The Omaha Community Foundation is contributing $300 million toward this initiative, while the university currently holds $600 million in debt for land and buildings.
The players
Tonn Ostergard
The chairman and CEO of Crete Carrier Corporation who has been appointed to the Nebraska Medicine board.
University of Nebraska Board of Regents
The governing body responsible for the oversight of the university system, which currently manages $600 million in debt related to campus facilities.
Omaha Community Foundation
A philanthropic organization contributing $300 million to the $2.19 billion Project Health development.
The details
The Board of Regents confirmed its four appointees via a unanimous vote, while the Omaha Community Foundation selected its four representatives independently. This board composition change is part of a broader shift away from the former ownership model between the university and Clarkson. The new governing body must now oversee the integration of Project Health, which stands as a central capital expenditure for the regional healthcare network.
Timeline
Nebraska Medicine operated under a university and Clarkson ownership model until before January 2026.
The Board of Regents approved the four board appointments on September 25, 2026.
A special election for the seat formerly held by Elizabeth O'Connor is scheduled for November 2026.
Market Landscape
This governance shift follows the trajectory of Project Health, a massive $2.19 billion development that necessitates complex multi-party oversight. The move marks a departure from the historical university-Clarkson ownership model toward a collaborative model for major health infrastructure.
Operators in the regional health sector should track how this new board configuration influences procurement and construction timelines for Project Health. Stakeholders should also monitor the upcoming November election for signs of potential further shifts in regental priorities.
The takeaway
The transition to shared governance signals a need for businesses connected to Nebraska Medicine to adapt to a new multi-stakeholder oversight process. Monitor board meeting minutes and official university announcements for shifts in policy that could impact future capital project bidding.
What happens next
A special election to fill the vacant seat previously held by Regent Elizabeth O'Connor is set to take place in November 2026.
Further reading
For more insight into regional clinical infrastructure, visit the Nebraska Healthcare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nebraska Public Media.
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