Charlene MacDonald Appointed as New President and CEO
In a significant leadership transition, the Federation of American Hospitals (FAH) has appointed Charlene MacDonald as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. Starting January 1, 2026, she takes on this critical role following the retirement of her predecessor, Charles (Chip) N. Kahn III.
Advancing the Mission of FAH
Charlene MacDonald is set to focus on strategic advocacy initiatives that will uplift the Federation’s membership, as well as promote effective policy solutions. Her primary objective is to champion the interests of tax-paying hospitals and the millions of patients they serve. This mission is more crucial now than ever, as the healthcare landscape faces numerous challenges.
Support from the Board of Directors
Marc D. Miller, President and CEO of Universal Health Services and Chair of the FAH Board, expressed confidence in MacDonald’s expertise. He stated, "The Board has full confidence in Charlene MacDonald to champion tax-paying hospitals and their patients. She brings the right combination of experience, commitment, and vision to lead us forward."
MacDonald’s Impressive Background
Before taking on this new role, MacDonald has been with the FAH since 2023, where she served as the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. In this position, she successfully led multiple initiatives in advocacy, government affairs, and communications while also overseeing financial operations.
Focus on Bipartisan Collaboration
Charlene emphasized the importance of collaboration across the industry. “This is a pivotal time for tax-paying hospitals – it requires strategic partnerships with stakeholders and lawmakers to navigate the complex challenges we face today,” she said. Her vision revolves around pragmatic, bipartisan solutions that enable members to provide high-quality, affordable patient care to communities nationwide.
Experience in Health Policy and Advocacy
MacDonald’s career spans extensive experience in public and private sectors, focusing on policy and advocacy. She previously served as the Chief Government Affairs Officer at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, where she led initiatives in public policy and government relations. Additionally, she played significant roles in strategic communication at FTI Consulting, a leading business advisory firm.
Building Relationships to Enact Change
A seasoned advocate, MacDonald spent over a decade on Capitol Hill holding senior policy positions within the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. She built essential bipartisan relationships that contributed to the passage of landmark legislation, including the 21st Century Cures Act and the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA).
Educational Background
MacDonald holds a degree from Lake Forest College and has earned a master's in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School. Her academic achievements complement her vast practical knowledge in the health care sector.
The Role of FAH
The Federation of American Hospitals represents over 1,000 tax-paying community hospitals and health systems across the country. With nearly 20% of U.S. hospitals under its umbrella, FAH actively advances policies that ensure patient and community access to quality, affordable care. The organization commits itself to promoting innovative market strategies, investing in the healthcare workforce, and protecting access to full-service hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Charlene MacDonald?
Charlene MacDonald is the newly appointed President and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals, effective January 1, 2026.
What will MacDonald focus on in her new role?
She aims to advocate for tax-paying hospitals and work on bipartisan policy solutions to improve health care delivery.
What was her role before FAH?
Before joining FAH, MacDonald served as Chief Government Affairs Officer at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and had extensive experience in strategic communications.
How longstanding is her involvement in healthcare policy?
MacDonald has over a decade of experience in federal policy, having held senior positions on Capitol Hill.
What is the mission of the Federation of American Hospitals?
The FAH is dedicated to advancing public policies that provide patients and communities access to quality, affordable care through advocacy and innovative solutions.
