Former Oswego Mayor's Shocking New Role at Oswego Health Will Leave You Speechless!

Billy Barlow Balances Healthcare and Community Needs as Oswego Health's VP

By Stefan Yablonski

Nearly four years after stepping into the role of vice president of public affairs and system development at Oswego Health, former Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow is adapting to the challenges and responsibilities of the healthcare sector. With over a decade of experience in local and state government, Barlow finds the transition from politics to healthcare both rewarding and complex.

“On the flip side, healthcare is an extremely different and complex field of work than any other industry or field I have been involved in,” Barlow stated. He emphasizes the significant difference in scale between managing a city and overseeing an organization like Oswego Health. "Regardless, I find it fun and rewarding to be involved in providing quality healthcare to my neighbors in the same community where I served as mayor for eight years and I am happy in my current position.”

As vice president, Barlow oversees a variety of responsibilities that extend beyond what many might expect. “My job involves lobbying for various issues and funding streams from the state and federal government, planning and executing future expansion and business development ideas, handling all real estate and property matters, leading all construction projects, overseeing both the facility and security teams, managing our Springside independent living facility at Seneca Hill, and other duties as assigned,” he explained.

The healthcare industry presents unique challenges. Barlow notes, “Everything in this field is heavily regulated, and the most minute details cannot be overlooked.” Facility maintenance and security are ongoing concerns for healthcare organizations nationwide, and Oswego Health is no exception. “Beyond that, sources of revenue are always a battle, as limited funds come from our federal and state governments, and we must fight for our fair share of the always-too-tiny funding streams,” he added. To address these challenges, Oswego Health recently adopted a comprehensive, system-wide strategic plan aimed at improving community access, enhancing brand identity, securing a reliable fiscal position, and supporting employees through innovative recruiting and retention strategies.

Barlow expressed pride in Oswego Health’s recent expansion into Onondaga County with the opening of the Oswego Health Medical Practice in Clay. “That project was something the organization had been talking about for 20 years,” he noted. “Finally, with our CEO Mike Backus’s leadership and determination, we stopped talking and started doing. We settled on a goal and a location in the middle of 2025, put the entire project together, and opened in March of 2026.” He emphasized that this timeline is “fast for any organization, especially one of our size.”

Recent advancements at Oswego Health include the opening of a new urology service line in Fulton, a $4 million improvement project at the Fulton Medical Center, increased primary care access, and a $14 million transformation of the hospital’s first floor to enhance the emergency department and medical imaging department. Moreover, the addition of a PET scanner at the hospital—available once a week—has made a significant difference for patients who previously had to travel an hour for similar services. Barlow highlighted that this is the first PET scan offered in Oswego County, allowing patients to receive essential care closer to home.

A PET (positron emission tomography) scan is a specialized imaging test that detects diseases at a cellular level by measuring metabolic activity in tissues and organs. The introduction of this technology not only enhances patient care but also underscores Oswego Health’s commitment to improving healthcare access for its community.

As Barlow continues to navigate the complexities of healthcare management, his background in public service offers a unique perspective, blending his passion for community improvement with the multifaceted demands of the healthcare industry. His goals, while straightforward in nature, require nuanced strategies to achieve meaningful outcomes for Oswego Health and the communities it serves.