Patrick McGough

Dr. Patrick McGough (known as Dr. Mac), holding a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), was announced as President of NACCHO's Board of Directors for the 2026-2027 term on June 26, 2026, assuming the role on July 1, 2026. He serves as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Public Health Officer of the Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County Health Department (OCCHD). Drawing on a 40-year career in clinical and community health, including more than 25 years in public health and 20 years in executive leadership, Dr. McGough has led numerous public health initiatives focused on disease prevention, emergency preparedness, and community wellness since joining OCCHD in 2008.

Dr. McGough earned his terminal degree in nursing practice administration from Oklahoma City University (OCU) where he achieved the highest honors, and holds credentials including DNP, MSHR, RN, and CHA. He serves as an adjunct professor for doctoral nursing students in Public Health, Law, Policy, Leadership, and Organizational Development, and was named OCU's Distinguished Alumnus in 2016-17. He also earned a Master of Science degree from East Central University.

Career History

• Chief Executive Officer/Chief Public Health Officer, Oklahoma City-County Health Department (2020–present)
• Deputy Director, Oklahoma City-County Health Department (2015–2019)
• Various leadership roles, Oklahoma City-County Health Department (2008–2015)
• Leadership roles with the Oklahoma State Department of Human Services and Oklahoma State Department of Health
• Owner and operator of a home health corporation

With 39 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, Dr. McGough brings extensive expertise in clinical and community health, primary and acute care, mental health and substance abuse, and hospice care. He was designated by the Kresge Foundation in 2017 as an Emerging Leader in Public Health and received a Citation of Commendation from the State of Oklahoma for advocacy efforts for children and young parents. Dr. McGough is an Oklahoma Public Health Leadership Institute Fellow and serves as Oklahoma's representative to the Association of Public Health Nurses.

What Dr. McGough could bring to NACCHO Board Presidency: Drawing on his demonstrated ability to strengthen public health workforce and infrastructure in Oklahoma, his tenure in NACCHO's progressive leadership pipeline (Vice President 2024-2025, President-Elect 2025-2026), and his hands-on experience directing 30 clinical and community-based public health programs across multiple sites, Dr. McGough is positioned to advocate effectively for the nation's 3,300 local health departments. His academic teaching background and recognition as an emerging leader in public health suggest he could advance evidence-based policy and collaborative partnerships during a critical period for local public health systems.

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