Josh Dobson Named President & CEO of the North Carolina Healthcare Association
Raleigh, NC – Nov. 12, 2024 – Following a nationwide search, the Board of Trustees of the North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) named Josh Dobson its new president and chief executive officer. Dobson, who resigned as North Carolina Labor Commissioner on Nov. 6, begins his new role Nov. 12, succeeding Stephen J. Lawler, who is retiring after seven years of leadership. Representing more than 135-member hospital systems, the healthcare association is one of the state’s most influential advocacy groups. Dobson will become NCHA’s fifth President and CEO in the association’s more than 100-year history.
“This position reflects Josh’s lifelong dedication to creating healthy and safe North Carolina communities through effective public policy and collaborative partnerships,” said NCHA Board Chair Chris Peek, president and chief executive officer of CaroMont Health. “Throughout his service in three elected offices, Josh has developed strong relationships and deep policy expertise that will advance our association and our members in the years to come. He is a proven collaborator who can bring people together to build the best solutions for ensuring North Carolina remains a top state for employers and residents to access high-quality healthcare close to where they live and work.”
As president and CEO of NCHA, Dobson will lead the association in representing its diverse membership of hospitals, health systems, physician groups and other healthcare organizations across the state. NCHA’s members represent a wide range of clinical settings that include state hospitals, military and government treatment facilities, veterans’ affairs, primary care, inpatient and outpatient care, rehabilitative services, behavioral health care, and post-acute care. One of Dobson’s priorities as CEO will be to connect with members and their communities to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities they face in an evolving healthcare landscape.
“I am deeply passionate about healthcare issues and health policy. NCHA’s vision to bring equitable, accessible healthcare to all North Carolinians aligns perfectly with the work I started as McDowell County Commissioner and as a member of the local Public Health Board,” Dobson said. “Hospitals are essential to the well-being and vibrancy of our communities – not just for care, but as economic anchors. It is crucial that we have policies in place to ensure their financial sustainability, while continuing to deliver high-quality, high-value care. I am honored to lead this effort.”
In his new role, Dobson will also oversee NCHA Strategic Partners, a wholly owned subsidiary that offers healthcare providers access to products and services that provide cost-effective solutions to respond to the evolving healthcare landscape. Additionally, he will oversee the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation, the association’s charitable, 501(c)(3) non-profit innovative and programmatic arm. Dobson currently serves on the Foundation’s board and is already deeply familiar with its programs and initiatives.
Dobson was sworn in as North Carolina’s Labor Commissioner in January 2021 after serving eight years in the state House of Representatives where he represented the 85th district, covering Avery, McDowell and Mitchell counties in western North Carolina. During his final term, Dobson served as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and the House Health Committee, contributing to legislative efforts to expand Medicaid coverage to hundreds of thousands of additional residents. Prior to his service in the state house, Dobson served two years as a McDowell County Commissioner.
Dobson, a native of McDowell County, earned a Bachelor of Science in social sciences from Gardner Webb and a Master of Public Administration from Appalachian State University. He resides in Raleigh and Nebo with his wife Valerie and daughter Kennedy.
About NCHA
Founded in 1918, North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) is the united voice of the North Carolina healthcare community. Representing more than 135 hospitals, health systems, physician groups and other healthcare organizations, NCHA works with our members to improve the health of North Carolina communities by advocating for sound public policies and collaborative partnerships and by providing insights, services, support and education to expand access to high quality, efficient, affordable and integrated health care for all North Carolinians.
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