The MHA announced Rick Pollack, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association (AHA), as the recipient of the 2026 MHA Meritorious Service Award. As the highest honor presented by the MHA, the award celebrates individuals whose leadership and lifetime contributions have advanced healthcare.
Pollack is being recognized for more than four decades of service advancing hospitals and improving care delivery nationwide. A 43-year veteran of the AHA, Pollack has served as president and CEO for more than a decade and will retire at the end of 2026.
Under his leadership, the AHA became one of the nation’s most influential and effective advocacy organizations. This was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Pollack helped secure critical resources and regulatory flexibility to maintain access to care.
Throughout his tenure, Pollack championed efforts to expand access to care, strengthen the healthcare workforce and advance quality and patient safety. He also led significant initiatives to strengthen hospital cybersecurity, collaborating with federal agencies to protect critical healthcare infrastructure from evolving threats.
Pollack joined the AHA in 1982 and has held significant leadership roles in public policy and advocacy, including more than 20 years as executive vice president before being named president and CEO. His work has helped shape national healthcare policy and improve coverage and care for millions of Americans.
In addition to his national leadership, Pollack has been a valued partner to state hospital associations, including the MHA, strengthening the AHA’s role as a key resource supporting their work at the state and local level.