Northwest Health Services announced Thursday that its Board of Directors has hired a new Chief Executive Officer.

Matt Younger started the position Monday.

Younger grew up in Holt County and said he looks forward to leading the organization that provided his own family care as a child.

“We always went to a Northwest Health Services clinic growing up,” said Younger. “The organization was formed when I was young and throughout my life, it has been known as a people-minded organization that supports its communities.”

Northwest Health Services is an organization of Federally Qualified Community Health Centers (FQHCs) with locations spread over 16 counties.

Terry Steinbecker, Board President said the board is excited to bring Younger on.

“The board looks forward to Matt’s leadership and guidance in a changing health care environment as our organization continues to provide high-quality patient care in the communities we serve,” said Steinbecker.

Younger’s most recent experience came as a Director of Operations for Platinum Health Care – a corporation that acquires and operates nursing homes. Younger supervised nursing home administrators in Missouri, ensuring high-quality care. Earlier, he worked at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) as the Administrator of the Section for Long-term Care Regulation. There, he oversaw the licensing and inspection of 1,143 facilities in Missouri.

Younger said he is glad to be back home and excited to make a positive impact on the communities where he was raised.

“Northwest Health is an organization with a unique mission and identity,” said Younger. “We have a charter higher than commerce. Northwest Health Services is located in areas where care is needed but scarce, and improves access to care for Americans regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.”