Jim Ulrich, Chief Executive Officer at York General, will deliver the commencement address at the York University graduation ceremony on Thursday, December 14.
Jim Ulrich is a native and long-time Nebraskan, having lived in the state for all but three teenage years. Jim has been working in the healthcare industry since May of 1988. His experience has included a CPA with the public accounting firm Seim Johnson (1988-1995), Director of Finance with Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital (1995-2000), President and CEO, COO, and CFO with Community Hospital in McCook (2000-2016, CEO 2006-2016), and as Chief Executive Officer with York General since October of 2016.
“I was excited to invite Mr. Ulrich to speak at York University’s December commencement,” said President Sam Smith. “He loves the mission of York University, and he knows what success looks like for students graduating today. His resume outlines his incredible credentials, but when you speak with him in person, you understand his deep passion for people. I want our graduates to hear from a person like Mr. Ulrich, who has proven that you can lead and care for people in your chosen vocation because that is what God has called us to do.”
Jim graduated in 1988 from Wayne State College with a Bachelors in Business Administration. In 2008, he earned his Master Degree in Healthcare Administration from Bellevue University. In 2002, he became certified as a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and in 2019, he also became certified as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Jim is a member of York University's President's Council, and a member of the East Hill Church of Christ. Jim has volunteered on numerous community Boards and committees in both McCook and York including twice being the President of the Board for the McCook Economic Development Corporation, President of the Board for the McCook Area Chamber of Commerce and serving as the President of the Board for the York County Development Corporation (YCDC) from 2020 - 2022. He was also the President of the Nebraska chapter of the HFMA in 2005-2006. His community involvement has also included serving as the President of the Board of a recently formed tax-exempt foster care agency in York, Nebraska. Jim has a passion for healthcare, community, leadership, strategic planning, and development of strong organizational values and cultures.
Jim and his wife Jamie have three adult children – Sydney (29), Nathan (25), and Tucker (22). In March of 2021, they adopted Brianna (13), Paura (9), and Za’Miah (7). In September of 2022 they also became grandparents with the birth of Kendrix, to Sidney and Elliot Nohr.
Commencement will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Bartholomew Performing Arts Center on the York University campus.