I’m John R Reeves III — a healthcare executive, author, and the president of Indigenous Healthcare Advancements. For over twenty years, I’ve worked inside tribal and rural health systems, not as an outside consultant, but as someone who has led from within. I’ve served as CEO of tribal health organizations, built clinics from the ground up, and navigated the complex intersection of federal policy, tribal sovereignty, and community need.
I hold a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, and my career has taken me from the tribal health systems of northern California and the Pacific Northwest to Hawaii and now into new work across California. I wrote “Culture is the Operating System” because I believe the way we deliver care has to start with culture — not compliance. And I host “The Truth as Medicine” podcast to share the voices and stories of the people doing this work every day.
This isn’t just a career for me. It’s a calling.
From building health centers to transforming operations, here are some of the projects that define my work. Each one started with a community that needed something better — and the determination to make it happen.
Served as Health Administrator for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, helping build their first Tribal FQHC — Three Rivers Health Center — from the ground up in Coos Bay, Oregon.
Served as CEO of a nine-clinic tribal health system in northwestern California, overseeing 300+ staff and serving 20,000 patients. Expanded services, drove operational turnarounds, and strengthened community health access.
Through Indigenous Healthcare Advancements, I partner with tribes and health organizations to solve real problems. Whether you’re standing up a new clinic, turning around operations, or navigating the path to self-determination under a 638 compact, I bring hands-on experience — not theory.
Helping organizations streamline operations, improve the quality of patient care, and effectively reduce costs.
Developing tailored strategies that enhance the effectiveness of healthcare systems within tribal communities.
Leading healthcare systems through periods of transition, ensuring smooth operations and long-term sustainability.
Integrating traditional practices with modern healthcare to create culturally sensitive and sustainable systems.
I’m John R Reeves III — a healthcare executive, author, and the president of Indigenous Healthcare Advancements. For over twenty years, I’ve worked inside tribal and rural health systems, not as an outside consultant, but as someone who has led from within.
I served as Health Administrator for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, where I helped build Three Rivers Health Center — their first Tribal FQHC — from the ground up in Coos Bay, Oregon. I went on to serve as CEO of United Indian Health Services, a nine-clinic tribal health system in northwestern California, overseeing 300+ staff and serving 20,000 patients.
I hold a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, and my career has taken me from the tribal health systems of northern California and the Pacific Northwest to Hawaii and now into new work across California.
I wrote “Culture is the Operating System” because I believe the way we deliver care has to start with culture — not compliance. And I host “The Truth as Medicine” podcast to share the voices and stories of the people doing this work every day.
New health centers and sites are coming to California soon through IHA. This work is far from over — it’s just getting started.