Who We Are
NCHA represents North Carolina’s individual and multi-hospital health systems — teaching, rural, small community, suburban, specialty, and continuing care facilities — providing acute care, rehabilitative, behavioral, psychiatric and veterans’ services. Our members provide a broad range of services — not just within their walls, but across the continuum and throughout their communities.
We are committed to supporting and serving our members as they work to improve care for their patients and their communities. Since 1918, NCHA has served as a resource for hospitals, health systems, and other stakeholders delivering information and insight, services, support, education, policy, and advocacy. Learn more about NCHA below.
Leadership
NCHA has always been a member-led organization, with six executive leaders during its history.
- 2024-Present: Josh Dobson, President & CEO
- 2017-2024: Steve Lawler, President & CEO
- 1999-2016: Bill Pully, President
- 1980-1999: Ed McCauley, President
- 1956-1980: Marion Foster, Executive Secretary/Executive Director/CEO/President
- 1938-1941: Russell Rogers, Executive Secretary
Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
To improve the health of the communities where we live and work by advocating for sound public policy and collaborative partnerships.
Vision
A North Carolina where high-quality healthcare is equitable and accessible for all.
Values
Respect. Integrity. Teamwork. Accountability. Perseverance.
Annual Reports
History
On June 2, 1918, in Greensboro, Dr. J.F. Highsmith of Fayetteville proposed that the N.C. Committee on Hospital Standardization, made up of three physicians and three registered nurses, become the North Carolina Hospital Association. The next day, a constitution and bylaws were proposed stating that the objective of the association “shall be the promotion of economy and efficiency in hospital management and the welfare of hospitals and hospital workers in North Carolina.” Active membership required payment of an initiation fee of $3, plus annual dues of $5 per person. The first year, membership included 26 physicians and nurses. Dr. Highsmith served as the first President of the Association, reflective of the fact that most early hospitals in the state were organized by physicians.
Today, NCHA includes a membership of more than 130 hospitals and health systems providing acute care, rehabilitative, behavioral, psychiatric and veterans’ services. In addition, many member health systems include wellness programs, primary care, urgent care, and freestanding emergency care.
Industry consolidation has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of healthcare delivery in our state. As NCHA approached its Centennial year of service to its member hospitals, health systems and care providers, the NCHA Board of Trustees embarked on a process to evaluate the reputation of the association’s brand and chart a course for the future. Their visionary leadership has led to a new name and a new brand for the organization that not only respects our strong history, but is more inclusive and representative of the current and future membership.
See NCHA’s Historical Timeline to learn more about the Association’s first 100 years.