The American Hospital Association has named Rick Pollack as its next president and CEO, the Board of Trustees announced Monday.
A 32-year veteran of the AHA, Pollack will succeed Richard J. Umbdenstock, who is retiring at the end of 2015, according to the AHA.
Pollack will assume his new duties in September.
Since 1991, Pollack has served as AHA’s executive vice president for advocacy and public policy responsible for the development, implementation and management of the association’s advocacy, representation and public affairs activities.
Pollack will become the 11th person to hold the top post in the AHA’s 117-year history.
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A Brooklyn native, Pollack, 59, started his professional career in 1977 as a legislative assistant to U.S. Rep. David Obey of Wisconsin. He left Capitol Hill to become a lobbyist with the American Nurses Association. He went on to join the AHA’s Washington Office, where he has been a member of the association’s advocacy team, initially serving as associate director for legislation, and then vice president for federal relations and deputy director of the D.C. office before becoming executive vice president.
Pollack holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications from the State University of New York’s College at Cortland. He earned a master’s degree in public administration from the American University in Washington, D.C.
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The AHA, one of the most influential and effective lobbying organizations in Washington, represents nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers and 43,000 individual members.
"Rick brings the right mix of skills to this role. His effective advocacy combined with his passion and commitment to the mission of hospitals and the men and women who work there will serve the association well," said AHA Chairman Jonathan B. Perlin, president of clinical services and chief medical officer of the Nashville-based Hospital Corp. of America, in a statement. "He will build on the many strengths of the past and ably lead the association into the future."
Twitter: @SusanMorseHFN