Bryan Health Selects Elizabeth Wise as New Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Elizabeth Wise has been selected as Bryan Health’s next executive vice president and chief operating officer. She will begin her service Oct. 6, 2025.
Elizabeth Wise
Wise, a native of New Jersey, most recently served as president/CEO at the University of Maryland Medical System Upper Chesapeake Health (UMMS UCH). Her tenure there was marked by significant milestones, including the successful opening of the new University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Campus – featuring a state-of-the-art emergency department and behavioral health pavilion, a 75,000-square-foot bed tower, an ambulatory surgery center and a large primary care practice. Elizabeth was a driving force in transformational growth, with expanded access to care and a clear commitment to improving the health of the community.
Prior to her most recent role, Wise worked at other health systems in New Jersey, Delaware, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. A fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, she earned her bachelor's degree in nursing from Seton Hall University and an MSN and MBA from Rutgers University.
“I am excited to join Bryan Health,” she said. “The spirit of innovation, incredible medical staffs and the daily impact the team has on those who trust Bryan for their care is evident. It’s also such a momentous time. I’ve enjoyed learning about all that is being celebrated during Bryan’s 100th anniversary. I’m looking forward to being a part of the team that provides superb health care and meets both industry challenges and patient needs as Bryan enters its next 100 years.”
Russ Gronewold, Bryan Health chief executive officer, said he is pleased to welcome Wise to lead Bryan Health CEOs and entity senior teams. “Elizabeth has held executive roles as chief nursing officer, chief operating officer and chief executive officer, he said. “Having nursing, clinical, operational and strategic perspectives is unique and will be invaluable for our team, medical staffs and our patients.”
Wise succeeds John Woodrich, who will retire in January 2026. Woodrich has served Bryan in executive roles since 2009. He will continue to serve as the interim CEO of Bryan Medical Center the remainder of the year.
“The Board of Trustees and the entire Bryan team are appreciative of John’s record of accomplishments,” Gronewold said. “Through John’s leadership, Bryan Health’s statewide reach has grown significantly, and Bryan has earned the trust of patients across Nebraska.
“While he has championed many projects – April Sampson Cancer Center and the 5055 Building on the Bryan East Campus are just two – John’s most important legacy will be the leaders he has coached and mentored the past 16 years.”
