American Hospital Association President and CEO Rick Pollack Announces Retirement

WASHINGTON (December 10, 2025) - American Hospital Association (AHA) President and CEO Rick Pollack today announced his plans to retire by the end of 2026. A 43-year veteran of the association, Pollack has served as its chief executive for over the past decade.

Under Pollack's leadership, the AHA steered hospitals through the COVID-19 pandemic, securing critical resources and regulatory flexibility to keep hospitals and health systems open and caring for patients during the most challenging public health crisis of recent time. Pollack launched bold initiatives to strengthen the health care workforce, advance quality and patient safety, and fortify cybersecurity defenses through partnerships with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other government agencies.

Pollack has transformed the AHA into one of the nation's most respected and effective advocacy organizations, building a sophisticated political and grassroots network in every congressional district. A recognized champion for expanding health care access, Pollack has provided leadership in supporting broad-based national coalitions that improved coverage for millions of patients.

"It has been an honor and privilege to have had the opportunity to represent the women and men of America's hospitals who are passionate in their commitment to providing essential public services, keeping people healthy and serving as the cornerstone of care for virtually every community in America," Pollack said. "Hospital and health system leaders and their teams have always been a source of hope and healing, and they will continue to be for generations to come."

"Rick Pollack's tenure has been defined by his unwavering commitment to hospitals, caregivers and the communities we serve. His leadership guided hospitals through unprecedented challenges and transformations, while also advancing access, quality, and safety," said AHA Board of Trustees Chair Tina Freese Decker, president and chief executive officer of Corewell Health in Michigan. "Our patients and communities have better health care today because of his endless dedication and relentless drive."

Pollack joined the AHA in 1982 and his tenure included more than 20 years as executive vice president for advocacy and public policy prior to becoming president and CEO. He began his career in Washington, D.C., as a legislative assistant to Rep. David Obey of Wisconsin.

The AHA Board of Trustees has engaged WittKieffer to conduct a national search for Pollack's successor as part of a planned transition. Pollack will remain fully engaged until the transition is complete. Recognizing Pollack's commitment to the association, the AHA Board last month voted to bestow on him the title of AHA President and CEO Emeritus for when the transition is complete.

About the AHA

The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which includes nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 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. For more information, visit the AHA website at https://www.aha.org.