North Platte, Neb. – Great Plains Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Cayden Owens to the role of Chief Provider Network Officer. In this executive leadership position, Owens will oversee the organization’s provider network, with a focus on building a unified and collaborative physician group that ensures access to high-quality health care throughout the hospital’s 38-county service region.
Owens joins Great Plains Health following his participation in the nationally respected leadership development program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The program is designed to accelerate the readiness of emerging healthcare leaders through immersive experiences in clinic operations, physician management and enterprise-level strategy.
“Cayden brings both energy and experience to this role, as well as an understanding of what it takes to lead complex healthcare systems in both urban and rural settings,” said Ivan Mitchell, CEO of Great Plains Health. “His passion for improving access to care and empowering providers to deliver excellence aligns perfectly with our mission and the needs of the communities we serve.”
Owens has held interim leadership roles at Bon Secours Mercy Health, University of 
Cincinnati Medical Center, and Mayo Clinic Arizona, with responsibilities spanning supply chain management, hospital operations and physician group administration. He earned a Master of Health Services Administration from Xavier University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
“I am thrilled to return to Nebraska and be part of a team that is fiercely committed to delivering excellent care close to home,” said Owens. “Great Plains Health has a strong foundation, and I look forward to working collaboratively with providers, staff and community partners to enhance access and improve outcomes across the region.”
Owens’ leadership will support Great Plains Health’s continued focus on physician alignment, clinical quality and operational performance.
