Umbdenstock to receive 2015 Gail Warden Leadership Award

The National Center for Healthcare Leadership will present its 2015 Gail L. Warden Leadership Excellence Award to AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock, the organization announced today. “From his position as the head of the AHA, Rich Umbdenstock has shown unparalleled leadership in breaking through the divisive debate on health reform to help drive change and improvement in the nation’s healthcare system,” NCHL President and Board Chair Tim Rice said. “His leadership and innovative thinking span all aspects of the healthcare system, addressing such vital issues as quality and cost, advancing diversity in healthcare leadership, promoting the role of hospitals as an effective advocate for patients and their communities, and creating a healthcare system that envisions a nation of healthy communities. Rich’s leadership – from his role as a hospital system CEO to CEO of the AHA – has resulted in important and lasting changes to the field. NCHL is honored to recognize his achievements.” The award will be presented Nov. 17 in Chicago. Umbdenstock will retire from AHA at the end of 2015.