Ohio Children’s Hospital Association Names New Vice President

February 3, 2026 - COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio Children's Hospital Association (OCHA) has named Kate Huffman as its Vice President.

Huffman is an accomplished government relations leader with more than a decade of experience in legislative and executive lobbying. Prior to joining OCHA, Huffman served as Senior Director of Government Affairs at the Ohio Hospital Association, leading advocacy efforts for 252 hospitals and 15 health systems. She has worked in the office of the Ohio Speaker of the House in various capacities, beginning her career in public service as an LSC legislative fellow. Additionally, Huffman served as the finance director for a statewide campaign and worked in the Ohio Secretary of State's office, managing regional operations and overseeing outreach initiatives across the state.

"We are fortunate to have Kate's long tenure of working with Ohio's hospitals now dedicated to advancing children's health in our state," said Nick Lashutka, President & CEO, Ohio Children's Hospital Association. "Importantly, Kate's role gives her the opportunity to focus her efforts on policy and advocacy with government officials in direct collaboration with our member hospitals."

Huffman's role with OCHA will consist of developing and representing policy positions of association members at state and federal levels. She will also spend her time serving as a liaison between public interest groups, business coalitions, trade associations and other organizations and agencies.

Huffman joins the team as a native of Dayton, Ohio. She earned her bachelor's degree in political science with minors in English Literature and American Studies from Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana, in 2006.

The six members of the Ohio Children's Hospital Association - Akron Children's Hospital, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, UH/Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Dayton Children's and ProMedica Russel J. Ebeid Children's Hospital - work together to save, protect and enhance the lives of all Ohio children by providing the highest quality of care regardless of a family's ability to pay. More information is available at https://www.ohiochildrenshospitals.org.