Dr. Julie Kennedy Oehlert, Chief Experience Officer at ECU Health, was named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s “CXOs to Know” list for 2026, the organization announced on Mar. 26. The recognition highlights her leadership in transforming ECU Health’s culture and improving patient experience and outcomes.
This acknowledgment is significant because chief experience officers are responsible for shaping both patient and team member experiences within hospitals and health systems. According to Becker’s, those selected for the list use a thoughtful, culture-driven approach to increase engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty.
Oehlert said, “Making Becker’s CXOs to Know list is a testament to ECU Health’s commitment to prioritizing experiences that contribute to positive patient visits, improved team member engagement and overall community health.” She added gratitude for her colleagues: “Together, we are creating an environment where patients and team members feel supported, valued and truly cared for. I am thankful to every ECU Health team member who lives our mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina every single day.”
Oehlert has worked with other leaders at ECU Health on initiatives such as integrating people-centered care throughout the organization and establishing the Patient Choice Awards. These awards recognize units and providers who receive high ratings from patients.
“Dr. Oehlert has championed experiences that focus on the human side of rural health care,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health and dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. “This recognition by Becker’s reflects our commitment to that vision and to our patients. Dr. Oehlert and ECU Health make it their goal to ensure patients and team members are treated with dignity and respect. We are grateful for her tremendous impact on patients and team members.”
ECU Health serves as a model for rural health in eastern North Carolina according to its official website. The system includes an academic medical center with two campuses, eight community hospitals, numerous outpatient clinics, home health services, hospice care, wellness centers according to its official website, operates with 1,708 licensed beds serving over 1.4 million people in 29 counties through more than 1,100 providers across over 185 clinics at 110 locations according to its official website. Its mission involves enhancing health through patient-focused care as well as community services according to its official website.
Becker’s editorial team accepted nominations nationwide before curating this year’s CXOs list.
