Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health is proud to announce Dr. Julie Kennedy Oehlert, DNP, RN, Chief Experience Officer, was again named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s “CXOs to Know” list for 2026, recognizing her leadership in transforming the organization’s culture to improve patient experience and outcomes.
“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,” said Dr. Oehlert. “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.”
Chief experience officers play a vital role in shaping the full spectrum of patient and team experiences within their hospitals and health systems. According to Becker’s, the leaders featured on the list take a thoughtful, culture-driven approach, constantly seeking new ways to boost engagement, satisfaction and long-term loyalty.
Dr. Oehlert has partnered with her leadership colleagues to integrate highly reliable, people centered care into every level of the organization, championing initiatives that connect team member experience with patient experiences and outcomes. She pioneered the “Patient Choice Awards” to celebrate units and providers achieving exceptional and improved experience ratings from their patients, reinforcing a culture of compassion and excellence.
“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.”
This list celebrates CXOs for their unwavering dedication to enhancing the healthcare experience at every level. Becker’s showcases these accomplished leaders whose vision and efforts are central to the success of their organizations. The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list and curated it to showcase the great work of CXOs from hospitals and health systems across the nation.