Mark McCroskey, Vice President of Systems Operations for Northeastern Health System, was recently appointed to the Oklahoma Board of Health by Governor Kevin Stitt.

This nine-person committee is charged with protecting and promoting the health of Oklahomans by preventing illness and injury and ensuring conditions in which Oklahomans can remain healthy. McCroskey’s more than 30 years of both clinical and administrative service have given him the experience and perspective to become a highly contributing member of the Board of Directors of the Oklahoma Department of Health.

McCroskey began his medical career as a radiological technologist and was qualified in diagnostic radiology and magnetic resonance imaging. He initially worked at his Insight Health Service Corporation in Newport Beach, California, overseeing the Central Oklahoma region, which includes Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana. In 2007 he joined the NHS and in 2015 received a master’s degree in health care administration from Oklahoma State University.

“I grew up on a family dairy farm in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and have always had a passion for taking care of people. As a society, I feel that good health is the most important blessing,” McCloskey said. said. “Since Insight Health Services Corp covered 32 states, I have had the opportunity to work in several hospitals. The mission, vision, and values ​​of this Public Trust, an educational institution with an OSU Internal Medicine Residency / Cherokee Nation Medical School & Family Practice Residency, made me a part of this innovative team. I am very proud to have.”

McCroskey succeeds Charles W. Grim, DDS and MHS, whose terms on the OSDH Board expired on June 30.

“I was one of the mentors I had the pleasure of working with during my tenure as the Cherokee Nation’s health officer on the boards of Cherokee Health Partners and the Northeast Oklahoma Heart Center. I will succeed Dr. Charles W. Grimm, who was a vice president,” McCloskey said. “He is a wonderful person.”

McCroskey’s experience in healthcare has led him to various medical transformations. Through his position in the NHS, he was integral in bringing to rural Tahlequua specialties and services normally found only in big cities.

“We are thrilled to be part of the healthcare community including NHS, Cherokee Nation Health, OSU, NHS Salisaw, Eastern Oklahoma Medical Center in Poteau, and NEO Health,” said McCroskey. “I have come to truly appreciate the grit, resilience and warrior-like attitude of the healthcare community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The dedication and compassion on offer make them heroes in my book.”

McCloskey and his wife of 25 have three children, Hunter, 25, and his wife, Taylor. Katie, 22 years old. He is a member of the American Society of Radiological Technology, the Fort Gibson Fellowship Bible Church, and the Rotary Club of Talequa. When he’s not working, he’s an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoor enthusiast.

“My prayer is that all these experiences will help in some small way to make a positive impact on Oklahoma’s overall health.