The president and CEO of the Hospital Association of Oregon, Becky Hultberg, plays an important  role leading the trade association representing Oregon’s 61 hospitals. As the daughter of an attorney who was engaged in public policy issues in Alaska, Becky grew up with a deep appreciation for how decisions made by the government have profound impacts on people’s lives. But it was the transformational experience of watching a family member go through open-heart surgery that inspired her to work towards ensuring that all hospitals have the resources they need to care for people. “None of us want to end up in a hospital,” she says, “but when you or a family member is sick or injured, the care provided in that hospital suddenly becomes the most important thing in the world.”

The Hospital Association of Oregon is heavily engaged in policy and advocacy at the state and federal level, supporting hospitals and the patients they serve. Having a solid understanding of the  economics of healthcare and the business operations of hospitals has proven foundational in that work. “My time at Ball State gave me a solid grounding in both,” she says, “helping me to better support our hospital members and engage effectively in challenging healthcare policy issues.”

“My time at Ball State gave me a solid grounding in [the economics of healthcare and the business operations of hospitals], helping me to better support our hospital members and to engage effectively in challenging health care policy issues.”

A Strong Foundation Through Ball State’s MBA Program

The strong foundation that Becky built during her time in Ball State University’s online MBA program expanded her knowledge and understanding of the healthcare system, which she credits with making her more effective in her current role. “The business knowledge I received from the MBA program has enabled me to manage my organization more effectively and deepened my understanding of the business challenges faced by my hospital members.” 

“The business knowledge I received from the MBA program has enabled me to manage my organization more effectively and deepened my understanding of the business challenges faced by my hospital members.”

When considering her graduate school options, Becky was looking for a reputable program with a health economics concentration that was essential for her line of work. Ball State’s affordable online MBA not only met those criteria but also provided her with the flexibility she needed to juggle the many demands of a full-time working mother. “The remote format was essential for me at the time, enabling me to work, raise a family, and pursue higher education,” she says. “The value of the Ball State MBA is outstanding.” 

“The value of the Ball State MBA is outstanding.”

During her time at Ball State, Becky enjoyed Dr. John Horowitz’s rigorous and challenging courses. “I learned a lot about complex topics through his lectures and appreciated the way he structured his courses,” she says “I continue to use what I learned in my work.” 

“I continue to use what I learned in my work.”

A Reflection on Challenges and Accomplishments

Reflecting on her career, Becky is proud of her leadership role in Oregon’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which included securing state support for hospital staffing and standing up mass vaccination clinics. “Leading an organization that supports hospitals through the pandemic was both the greatest challenge and one of the greatest accomplishments of my career,” she says. “The work was difficult, but Oregon hospitals’ commitment to their communities was inspiring.”

But the challenges facing hospitals are far from over. The recent passage of a major federal budget bill will fundamentally alter the healthcare landscape, impacting how healthcare is financed and delivered. Hospitals in Oregon and across the country will be an important voice in the policy conversations ahead. “We’re entering a time of tremendous disruption and change in healthcare,” she says, “I’m proud that we’ve built a team at the hospital association that is equipped to do the hard but transformational work ahead.”