Richard J. Umbdenstock became president and chief executive officer of the American Hospital Association (AHA) on January 1, 2007. Previously, he was the elected AHA Board Chair in 2006. The AHA leads, represents and serves more than 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations, and 43,000 individual members. Umbdenstock’s career includes experience in hospital administration; health system governance, management and integration; association governance and management; HMO governance; and health care governance consulting. He has written several books and articles for the health care board audience and has authored national survey reports for AHA, HRET and ACHE. He received a B.A. degree in Politics from Fairfield University (CT), and a master’s in Health Services Administration from SUNY- Stony Brook. He is a Fellow of ACHE. Umbdenstock is Vice Chair of the National Quality Forum, serves on the Board of Enroll America, and co-chairs the CAQH Provider Council. He also serves on the National Priorities Partnership and the Center for Transforming Advanced Care Steering Committee.