News Release
January 13, 2014
OHCA Contacts: Jo Kilgore - (405) 522-7474, Jennie Melendez - (405) 522-7404
Health Care Authority CEO Nico Gomez Named An Oklahoman Of The Year
The Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA) is proud to announce that CEO Nico Gomez was recently named an Oklahoman of the Year by Oklahoma Magazine. Gomez was one of only six men and women honored with this designation which recognizes exceptional contributions to community and state.
“I am truly humbled by this recognition,” Gomez said. “I believe it is really reflective of the great work by the great people I have the honor of leading at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority who work daily to make a positive difference for someone else.”
Gomez has a master’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in health care administration from Southern Nazarene University and serves as an adjunct faculty member for the university, teaching Leadership in Health Care.
Active in several community organizations, Gomez is an elected board of education member and current board president for Bethany Public Schools. Additionally, he serves as a trustee for the Bethany Public School Foundation.
“In my local community, I have the privilege of working alongside some of the best professional educators in the state,” Gomez said. “My family is incredibly supportive and also very active volunteering to help others in need.”
The OHCA administers SoonerCare (Oklahoma’s Medicaid program), and Gomez was appointed Chief Executive Officer in February 2013. Committed to improving the health outcomes for people in SoonerCare, his leadership resulted in an extension of Insure Oklahoma in 2013 - a subsidy program that helps supplement health care costs for Oklahomans who otherwise could not afford it.
Joining Gomez as Oklahomans of the Year are John Bolton, SMG regional vice president at general manager of the BOK Center and Cox Business Center; Jill Simpson, director of the Oklahoma Film & Music Office; Chris Lieberman and Philip Kaiser, organizers of the Center of the Universe Festival in Tulsa; and Gary England, vice president for corporate relations and weather development at Griffin Communications.
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