Obituary: Former ACHE CEO Thomas Dolan
Thomas C. “Tom” Dolan, Ph.D., former president and CEO of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a widely respected leader in the healthcare field, died Oct. 30. He was 78.
Dolan led ACHE for 27 years after a distinguished academic career. He was recognized throughout the profession for his commitment to leadership development, mentorship and advancing excellence in healthcare management. In 2013, the AHA honored Dolan with its Distinguished Service Award, the association’s highest honor.
“Tom Dolan helped shape generations of healthcare leaders and, through them, strengthened hospitals and health systems across the nation,” said Rick Pollack, AHA president and CEO emeritus. “Tom believed deeply in the power of servant leadership, professional development and lifelong learning. His influence reached far beyond ACHE, and the entire healthcare field is better because of his vision, integrity and commitment to others.”
Dolan joined ACHE in 1986 and served as president and CEO until his retirement in 2013. He also served on numerous boards, including the AHA’s board of trustees.
“Tom was one of the most respected and admired leaders I have ever known,” said Rich Umbdenstock, former AHA president and CEO. “He opened doors for countless emerging leaders and never lost sight of the importance of character, service and people. His legacy lives on in the leaders he developed and the patients and communities they serve.”
When presenting Dolan with the AHA Distinguished Service Award in 2013, Umbdenstock praised him for helping transform ACHE into the premier professional society for healthcare executives and for his lasting contributions to leadership excellence across the field.
In a 2014 oral history published by the AHA, Dolan reflected on the values that guided his career and life. “My heroes are hard-working people,” he said. “They’re the backbone of this country.” The same people-first philosophy was echoed in his obituary, which recalled one of his favorite sayings, “It’s all about people.”