The American Hospital Association (AHA) and CHA recognized David A. Whitehead, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Hartford HealthCare, as Connecticut’s 2019 Grassroots Champion at CHA’s 101st Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 20, 2019.
As the 2019 Grassroots Champion, Mr. Whitehead is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in educating elected officials on how issues affect hospitals’ ability to serve their communities or perform their vital role, as well as his commitment to broaden the base of community support for hospitals and health systems. During his tenure as Chairman of the CHA Board, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the hospital community was united in its advocacy and spoke with a strong and unified voice.
Mr. Whitehead is Immediate Past Chairman of the CHA Board of Trustees, currently serves as Chairman of CHA’s Committee on Population Health, and is a member of the Financial Oversight Committee and CHA’s Diversified Network Services Board.
“During a time of turbulence in healthcare, both in Connecticut and across the nation, Dave Whitehead provided unwavering leadership in bringing hospitals together to advocate with a powerful voice,” said Jennifer Jackson, CEO, CHA. “He is focused on transforming care and ensuring strong communities. We are so pleased to honor Dave as the 2019 Grassroots Champion.”
Since 2016, Mr. Whitehead has served as Hartford HealthCare’s Executive Vice President, and Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. His current role involves creating a high-quality, integrated, accessible health network for communities in Hartford HealthCare’s service area. Prior to that role, he was President of the Hartford HealthCare East Region, which includes The William W. Backus Hospital, Windham Hospital, and a growing number of outpatient and ambulatory centers throughout Eastern Connecticut.
Mr. Whitehead has been involved with a wide variety of community organizations. He has held leadership positions on the Board of Trustees for the Norwich Free Academy, a regional independent high school, United Way, Three Rivers Community College, and Hospice Southeastern Connecticut. He served as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, and was recognized as Eastern Connecticut Citizen of the Year.
The AHA Grassroots Champion Award, given annually to one person in each state, was created to recognize hospital leaders who effectively educate elected officials about how major issues affect hospitals’ roles in the community, who have expanded the base of community support for hospitals, and who have been advocates for hospitals and patients.