The Memorial Hermann system announced in June that Josh Urban has taken over as CEO of The Woodlands Hospital.
Urban is taking over the role following the recent retirement of former CEO Steve Sanders. Urban has worked in the hospital system administration department since 2000.
He eventually worked his way up to chief ambulatory services officer at Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center and became chief operating officer of The Woodlands Hospital in 2008.
"In the 15 years Josh has been with our system, he has demonstrated a strong work ethic with proven results," said Dan Wolterman, president and CEO of Memorial Hermann. "His expertise in hospital operations combined with his commitment to this community made Josh the right person to lead Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital into the future."
As COO, Urban helped increase the hospital's capacity, has grown the hospital's market share, led the addition of a seven-story patient tower, and helped expand hospital services through the TIRR Memorial Herman and the Mischer Neuroscience Institute, according to Memorial Hermann.
"At this hospital I am most proud of the programs and services that we have been able to develop for the community, some of the expertise in neurosciences or heart and vascular medicine, orthopedics or even rehabilitation," Urban said.
Urban said a growing area population, coupled with health care reform, provide a unique set of challenges for the hospital in the future.
"Some of the challenges are the continued pressures related to healthcare reform," Urban said. "I don't think how it will affect hospitals is completely known yet, and rules and regulations are continuing to change and evolve over time. In particular in our area, the other side of having a wonderful growing economy and community is it's attracting a lot of other competition as well. So there are other competitors coming to the market that will create some competitive pressures."
Urban and his family have lived in The Woodlands since 1994. He also serves on The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership board of directors, is involved with the United Way Healthcare Steering Committee and previously sat on The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce board.
