Odle to Retire From IU Health

June 15, 2012

News Release

Indianapolis, Ind. -- Samuel L. Odle, FACHE, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Indiana University Health, and president and chief executive officer of IU Health Methodist and University hospitals has announced his retirement from IU Health after 31 years of service.

“Sam’s visionary leadership has helped grow the Indiana University Health system, inspired and motivated countless employees and made a lasting impact on the local and national healthcare communities,” said Daniel F. Evans Jr., president and chief executive officer, IU Health. “We wish Sam and his family all of the best and thank him for his commitment to IU Health.”

Mr. Odle joined IU Health Methodist Hospital in 1981 as the vice president of operations, and held various leadership positions at IU Health. He played a key role in the creation of the IU Health Pathology Laboratory, the IU Health Neuroscience Center (due to open this Fall), as well as the successful openings of IU Health North, Saxony and West hospitals. During his tenure, IU Health has been named among the “Best Hospitals in America” by U.S. News & World Report for 14 consecutive years and the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) has recognized IU Health Methodist Hospital with its Quality Leadership Award for five consecutive years.

He is board-certified in healthcare management, a fellow and past chairman of the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of 30,000 healthcare executives. He also works with the Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellowship program to develop future healthcare leaders.

Mr. Odle has served on the board of directors for the Crossroads Council of the Boy Scouts of America for the past 11 years, including a term as president when he launched a $16 million major gifts campaign, which helped fund crucial Scouting programs and resources to boys throughout Indiana. The Scouts have recognized Mr. Odle with numerous awards including the prestigious Thomas W. Moses Good Scout Award, which honors those who have made significant contributions and exemplify Scouting values.

Mr. Odle is a long-time volunteer for United Way, and served as the 2008 Campaign Chairman for the United Way of Central Indiana. Under Mr. Odle’s leadership, the campaign netted $38.8 million in pledges for the United Way.

Mr. Odle was inducted into the Indiana Business Hall of Fame in 2007; honored with the Indianapolis Hospital Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 2009; and was the 2011 recipient of the Charles L. Whistler Award, a prestigious honor given by the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee and presented by the Indianapolis mayor, to individuals who, outside the regular duties of their chosen profession, have brought together the public and private sectors for civic improvement in Indianapolis.

"It has been a privilege to serve the patients and families who have come to our health system seeking care and comfort,” said Mr. Odle. “I look forward to staying engaged in many ways to improve our community, as well as enjoying more time with my family and friends.”

Source: Indiana University Health