After 31 years of service, Samuel L. Odle, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Indiana University Health, and president and chief executive officer of IU Health Methodist and University hospitals (and highest-ranking African-American) is retiring.
He has yet to begin packing up his office, but IU Health staff is already missing Sam, as he is affectionately called.
This retirement is bitter sweet for Odle as well.
In January, Odle had major back surgery. Although he had planned to continue working, during his extended recovery period, he had a lot of time to reflect on his future.
“You’re never going to be any healthier than you are today. So do I want to spend 65 hours a week (working) or do I want to do something else,” said Odle. “There’s no way to do this job part time. You always say ‘I’m going to cut back’ but you wouldn’t effectively be doing the job.”
He also evaluated the time he was spending with his family, particularly his 16 and 11-year-old daughters.
With those reasons among others, Odle decided to step down from his post. He said it was a difficult decision to make, but is looking forward to new challenges and new memories. His last day is July 13. The highest-ranking Black will then be Sheriee Ladd, senior vice president of human resources.
During his tenure, Odle accomplished a great deal. He joined IU Health Methodist Hospital in 1981 as the vice president of operations, and has held various leadership positions at IU Health.
He played a key role in the creation of the upcoming IU Health Pathology Laboratory, the IU Health Neuroscience Center, as well as the openings of IU Health North, Saxony and West hospitals.
“We try to prevent people from getting sick and take care of them when they do. That hasn’t changed. But the amount of technology that’s involved now has increased tremendously,” said Odle on how health care has changed throughout his career. “Also, the patients’ expectations are higher. It’s not enough to provide good clinical care. We have to provide it in a way that’s respectful of them. The service of health care is tremendously important today.”
Under his watch, 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.
Odle is board-certified in health care management, and a fellow and past chairman of the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society of health care executives. He also works with the Robert Wood Johnson Executive Nurse Fellowship program to develop future health care leaders.
For his leadership and influence, Odle was inducted into the Indiana Business Hall of Fame in 2007 among other honors and awards. He is also a member of the prestigious FACHE as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Although his career has been impressive thus far, Odle hopes his greatest achievement has been his impact on the people at IU Health.
“Health care is still very much a people business,” explained Odle. “My greatest contribution is putting together a team of people who provide health care to over a half a million Hoosiers every year.”
His “it takes a village” attitude certainly has had an effect on IU Health staff.
“Sam’s visionary leadership has helped grow the Indiana University Health system, inspired and motivated countless employees, and made a lasting impact on local and national health care communities,” said Dan Evans, president and CEO of Indiana University Health. “We wish Sam and his family all of the best and thank him for his commitment to IU Health.”
Odle has also been a personal role model for young Black professionals.
In 1998, Gene Ford was a sophomore at Tennessee State University and participated in the INROADS program at IU Health (then Clarian Health). In order to give Ford and his fellow interns a complete perspective of how a health care organization works, Odle organized in-house job shadowing with employees.
“I was blown away by how large a public health care system was. That helped me as the years went on,” said Ford.
Ford eventually became employed by IU Health and continued to have a close relationship with Odle. He encouraged Ford by sending him health articles, books and reminded him of the importance of serving on community boards.
“I remember walking with him to University Hospital. Again, this is the big guy. We’re walking through and he stopped to pick up little pieces of paper off the floor. I was amazed. He does that out of pride and care – that act wasn’t beneath him. Seeing things like that influenced me,” said Ford who today is the public relations coordinator at IU Health.
“He’s always going to be ingrained in the work we do here,” he added.
Odle’s retirement is approaching quickly, but folks will still see him working in the community. His first order of business: “I think I’ll enjoy the summer,” laughed Odle.
He definitely plans to continue to be involved in the Boy Scouts of America. 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 United Way is another organization that’s dear to his heart.
Although sadness hangs over the IU Health hallways, employees are proud to have worked with Odle and wish him well.
Odle believes Hoosiers are in good hands and trusts that IU Health will continue to give quality health care long after he says goodbye.
“I’ll miss the people (at IU Health). I’ll keep in touch, but you don’t have the same daily interactions. It was an energizing part of the job,” said Odle.
