Richard J. Umbdenstock is the chief operating officer and president-elect of the American Hospital Association and a past chair of the AHA board of trustees.  He served as president/CEOof the former Providence Services, Spokane, WA, and executive vice president of Providence Health & Services.  His career includes 11 years as an independent consultant for voluntary hospital governing boards in the United States and Canada, and he has authored several books and articles for hospital boards.

Improving the health of patients and communities is the reason our organizations exist.  Mr. Umbdenstock will share his thoughts on where our field is now and how the AHA can help hospitals meet today's challenges.  Learn about efforts to reform America's health care system, provide care for all who need it, and how you can help.

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