Former Health System CEOs Joined Nexus Board

Three prominent hospital executives have joined the advisory board of the Cleveland-based health technology company.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Healthcare

Isometric editorial illustration of a diagnostic sensor monolith and a hospital building, symbolizing health technology strategy and institutional partnership. — Nexus has appointed three former hospital system CEOs, including former leaders of Northwell Health and the Cleveland Clinic, to its advisory board. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Nexus has appointed three former health system CEOs to its advisory board to guide corporate strategy and growth. The new appointees include former leaders of Northwell Health, the Cleveland Clinic, and OU Health.

Why it matters

By recruiting veteran leaders with deep experience in large-scale clinical transformation, Nexus aims to strengthen its health system strategy. The additions signal the company's focus on aligning its technology with the practical operational needs of major hospital networks.

Three former CEOs have joined the advisory board to guide strategy, with further appointments expected later this month. The board members bring leadership experience spanning major health institutions, including a tenure at the Cleveland Clinic from 2004 to 2017.

The players

Michael Dowling

He served as the president and CEO of Northwell Health for more than two decades.

Toby Cosgrove

He led the Cleveland Clinic as president and CEO from 2004 to 2017.

Richard Lofgren

He recently retired from OU Health and previously held leadership roles at UC Health.

Akram Boutros

He is the founder of Nexus and the former president and CEO of the MetroHealth System.

Nexus

This is a health technology company headquartered in Cleveland that focuses on clinical transformation.

The details

The new advisory board members—Michael Dowling, Toby Cosgrove, and Richard Lofgren—will consult on clinical transformation and institutional growth. Nexus was founded by Akram Boutros, who previously served as the president and CEO of the MetroHealth System.

Toby Cosgrove led the Cleveland Clinic from 2004 to 2017.
Richard Lofgren retired from his role at OU Health on June 30, 2026.
Nexus announced the new board appointments on October 6, 2026.
Additional board members are expected to be named in October 2026.

Market Landscape

This move reflects a broader trend of health technology companies recruiting veteran hospital administrators to navigate complex clinical landscapes. By leveraging the expertise of former CEOs, Nexus is positioning itself to gain a competitive edge in selling digital solutions to large health systems.

For health system clients, these high-level appointments suggest that the company's future products may be better tailored to solve institutional operational challenges. Patients and providers may see shifts in the tools or software platforms utilized by their local hospital networks as Nexus refines its strategy.

The takeaway

Healthcare technology firms are increasingly relying on the guidance of former hospital executives to ensure their software effectively meets clinical needs. This trend underscores a move toward more integrated, provider-focused development in the medical tech industry.