AHA Names Steve Walsh President

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has named Steve Walsh as its next President and CEO, effective this fall. Walsh, who has served as president and CEO of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association since 2017, brings extensive experience in healthcare leadership, workforce development, health equity and care delivery transformation. He previously served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and has been a longtime advocate for healthcare policy and reform.

“AONL is thrilled to welcome Steve Walsh as the next President and CEO of the American Hospital Association,” said AONL CEO Claire Zangerle, DNP, RN. “Steve's extensive experience as a healthcare leader and champion for nursing, and the entire healthcare workforce positions him exceptionally well to guide the association into its next chapter. The AONL leadership, staff, and Board look forward to partnering with Steve to advance the contributions of nursing and ensure nurse leaders remain at the forefront of improving healthcare quality, innovation, and patient outcomes.”

Walsh succeeds retiring AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. (AHA news release, 6/30/26)