Press Release

Carolyn F. Scanlan to Receive AHA Board of Trustees Award

Contact:
Matthew Fenwick - (312) 422-2820 -
Elizabeth Lietz - (202) 626-2284 -

Washington D.C.

The American Hospital Association (AHA) today announced that Carolyn F. Scanlan, president and chief executive officer of The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) in Harrisburg, Pa., will be awarded its 2011 Board of Trustees Award.  The award is presented to individuals or groups who have made substantial and noteworthy contributions to the work of the AHA.  Scanlan will receive the award at a ceremony at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting on Monday, April 11 in Washington.    

"I have worked with Carolyn for many years and believe she embodies the essence of this award," said Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the AHA.  "Carolyn's service and wise counsel to the AHA during a time of rapid change has strengthened the organization immensely and helped to solidify our strategic partnership with our state, regional and metropolitan allied hospital associations.  We are thrilled to award Carolyn the Trustees award."

President and CEO of HAP since 1995, Scanlan sets the overall direction and pace for a staff of 65 who are involved in representation and advocacy, technical assistance, communication, education and research.  The association represents and advocates for nearly 220 health systems and hospitals and the patients and communities served there.  Under her leadership, HAP is committed to improving the health status of all the people of Pennsylvania by developing a statewide responsive, community-based integrated health care delivery system.

Previously she was executive vice president at the Healthcare Association of New York State and vice president for clinical and ambulatory services at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, N.Y.  Additionally, she served in various positions with the New York State Department of Health.

Scanlan served on the AHA board from 2007 to 2009; she also is active with a number of committees that are committed to advancing the association's policies, including:

• Center for Healthcare Governance board that works to advance and support excellence, innovation and accountability in health care governance; 
• Circle of Life Award Committee to improve the care people receive near the end of their lives; and
• National Leadership Council of Hospitals in Pursuit of Excellence.

Scanlan has also served the AHA through membership on:

• National Alliance of Health Information Technology;
• Health Forum;
• Hospital Research and Education Trust; and
• AHA PAC Steering Committee.

Scanlan holds a psychology degree from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and a master's degree in health services administration from Russell Sage College in Albany, N.Y.

Charlotte S. Yeh, chief medical officer of AARP Services in Washington, also will receive the 2011 Board of Trustees Award. 

About AHA

The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the improvement of health in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes more than 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, and 38,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends.