Richard J. Umbdenstock has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Hospital Association (AHA) since 1 January, 2007. AHA members include more than 5,000 hospitals and healthcare organisations, as well as 43,000 individuals. Umdenstock’s involvement with the AHA dates back several years. Prior to his appointment as President and CEO, he was elected as AHA Board Chair. He has also written national survey reports for the AHA.
2014 National Healthcare Award
In June 2014, Umbdenstock was awarded the National Healthcare Award by B’nai B’rith International at a gala dinner in Washington, D.C. The award honours outstanding healthcare leaders and organisations that “set the standards for health and education initiatives”. According to its website, recipients of the award also support philanthropic causes which benefit health and education programs, youth and seniors.
B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs said, “Solid leadership and dedication to the community are the hallmarks of Rich Umbdenstock’s outstanding career, and we are pleased to honor him with the National Healthcare Award. As the leader of an organization with a mission ‘to advance the health of individuals and communities,’ Rich understands the vital link between healthy individuals and thriving communities.”
Professional Activities
Umbdenstock is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), a status that is awarded to healthcare managers credentialed through a strict system involving a combination of professional experience, academic preparation, continuing education, civic and community involvement, ACHE tenure, recommendations, and passing an examination conducted by the Board of Governors.
His career spans several healthcare administration roles, including association and HMO governance and management, management and integration, and healthcare governance consulting. He is the author of many articles and books targeting healthcare board members, as well as national survey reports for ACHE and Health Research & Educational Trust (HRET).
Promoting Affordable, High-Quality Healthcare
In addition to his role at the AHA, Umbdenstock is active in several other professional organisations focussed on ensuring the widespread availability of quality healthcare coverage across the United States. He is the National Quality Forum’s Vice Chair, and a board member of Enroll America, whose non-profit mission is the enrolment and retention of as many Americans as possible in health coverage plans.
Umbdenstock also serves as co-chair of the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) Provider Council, a non-profit group that promotes collaboration between healthcare providers, insurers and trade organisations. He is on the steering committee of Transforming Advanced Care, and serves on the National Priorities Partnership.
Umbdenstock earned a BA degree in Politics from Fairfield University (CT, USA). He holds a Masters degree in Health Services Administration from the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook.
References: AHA, ACHE, ASHRM, B’nai B’rith
