Iowa Hospital Association names new president and CEO

The Iowa Hospital Association has named a new president and CEO.

Chris Mitchell will take the helm as the head of the Des Moines-based organization, which represents all 119 hospitals and health systems across the state.

“Our national search identified several exceptional candidates for us to consider, and the review and interview process was extensive,” Jason Harrington, chair of IHA’s board and president and CEO of Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake, said in a statement.

“We feel (Mitchell) is an excellent choice to continue this rich tradition of service, support and advocacy for Iowa hospitals.”

Mitchell will assume the role in mid-October, association officials announced Friday.

“I’m very honored to be selected to lead such an outstanding organization,” Mitchell said in a statement.

Mitchell will succeed Kirk Norris, who has been president and CEO of the Iowa Hospital Association since 2002. During that time, officials said he helped significantly expand Iowa hospitals’ “influence and leadership in public policy, information technology and professional education.”

Norris will retire this year after 34 years with the association.

“IHA’s track record in successfully advocating for hospitals, both nationally and in Iowa is admirable,” Mitchell said. “The path Kirk has maintained for IHA over the years is an enviable accomplishment.”

Mitchell is currently the executive vice president of advocacy and public affairs for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, a role he has held since January 2019.

He joined the organization in 2006 as an administrative fellow in the association’s advocacy division and went on to hold other leadership roles in the association in government relations, political affairs and advocacy.

Mitchell received a bachelor’s degree in political science and prelaw from Michigan State University and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.

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