President
Chief Executive Officer
Michael C. Backus joined Oswego Health in September 2020 as Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. In January of 2023, Mike was elevated to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer upon appointment by the Oswego Health Board of Directors.
A lifelong resident of Oswego County, Mike is no stranger to the organization or healthcare, as he previously served on the Oswego Health Board of Directors between 2016 and 2020, along with the Board of Directors of ConnextCare. Public service has always been an essential part of Mike’s life. As part of his service to ConnextCare, he served on the credentials and legislative committees for the National Association of Community Health Centers.
Professionally, before joining Oswego Health, Mike served in elected office, which has proven beneficial for the health system. He serves as the Oswego Health conduit to governmental agencies, public officials, and our overall community, ensuring that resources are readily available. He also coordinates all lobbying and advocacy work on behalf of Oswego Health for future initiatives and local healthcare needs.
In just two years, Mike has proven to be an advocate for healthcare as he works with state and federal authorities to further increase access to high-quality care throughout Central New York, including strategic infrastructure planning for the region.
Backus represents Oswego Health at both the state and national levels, serving on the boards of the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield’s CNY Regional Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Executive Committee for the Iroquois Healthcare Association and currently serves as Chair of the Political Action Committee for HANYS.
Leadership Greater Syracuse recognized Mike in 2012 as a Certified Community Leader. He also has been recognized by several regional and statewide publications as a 40-Under-40 "Rising Star," by the Central New York Business Journal and the Albany-based City & State Magazine. In 2018, Backus was awarded the inaugural "Friend of the First" award by The Palladium-Times. Backus was also included in the 2023 Upstate Power 100, and recognized by City & State as a leader who has the region on the up and up.
Backus recently completed the American Hospital Association Next Generation Leaders Fellowship. He holds a master's degree in public administration, along with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Le Moyne College, where he is also a member of the Board of Regents.
As President & CEO, Mike believes strongly in servant leadership and ensuring that decisions are made in a collaborative, communicative environment where every teammate feels valued. He looks forward to transforming the healthcare landscape throughout Central New York one conversation at a time.