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NAHQ's 2026 Board of Directors Unveiled

On January 15, 2026, the National Association for Healthcare Quality® (NAHQ) proudly announced its new Board of Directors for the year. This board is composed of highly distinguished leaders who will steer the organization in its ongoing mission to enhance healthcare quality and safety across the healthcare continuum.

Leadership and Expertise

The newly appointed board members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their roles. They are recognized for their commitment to system-wide quality improvement and their expertise in healthcare delivery and accreditation. Together, they aim to elevate the standards of excellence for healthcare professionals dedicated to quality improvement.

April Taylor, MS, MHA, FACHE, CMQ/OE, CLSSBB, CPHQ, CPPS, has assumed the position of President of the Board. As the Chief Operating Officer of The Johns Hopkins Hospital, she has garnered extensive experience in quality leadership and performance improvements. She expressed her enthusiasm about the new board, remarking, "This year marks a pivotal year for healthcare quality – the profession and the discipline."

Under the guidance of Taylor, NAHQ is committed to embracing innovative strategies to navigate the evolving healthcare landscape while enhancing quality metrics nationwide.

Executive Members

The board also includes Patty Resnik as Immediate Past President, Cathy Duquette as President Elect, and Jill Ryan as the Secretary/Treasurer, reflecting a robust leadership structure.

Additionally, NAHQ welcomes new Directors at Large – Randy Harmatz and Marwa J. Zohdy. Harmatz is a well-respected healthcare quality leader with years of experience in improving clinical outcomes and operational efficiencies. Currently serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer at Nicklaus Children's Health System in Miami, Florida, she oversees quality improvement and patient safety initiatives. Harmatz acknowledged the importance of NAHQ’s mission, stating, "NAHQ's commitment to advancing the core quality competencies of healthcare professionals has elevated the profession."

Meanwhile, Zohdy is a healthcare consultant with a focus on strategy, transformation, and leadership. Her involvement in high-profile healthcare consulting attests to her dedication to quality and safety, and she believes that strong leadership in quality can profoundly impact patient experiences.

Expanding Leadership Roles

Further enhancing the board’s comprehensive capabilities, other members who assumed Directors at Large roles include Esther Emard, Carol Gomes, Deirdre McCaughey, James Merlino, and Nidia Williams. Their diverse areas of expertise will contribute to fulfilling NAHQ's strategic goals, including professional development and validating competencies that healthcare professionals must possess.

The Mission of NAHQ

The National Association for Healthcare Quality is an industry leader committed to elevating the standards and advancing the discipline of healthcare quality and safety. It establishes benchmarks through its twice-validated Healthcare Quality Competency Framework™ while providing individuals and organizations with the means to achieve excellence in healthcare. NAHQ's educational programming, data-driven insights, and the accredited Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality® (CPHQ) certification play a crucial role in shaping quality infrastructures and fostering professional growth.

As NAHQ embarks on this new journey in 2026, the organization is poised to implement innovative strategies for quality enhancements while supporting healthcare professionals across the United States. The board's collective experience and commitment to excellence promise a future where healthcare quality continues to thrive, ultimately impacting patient outcomes positively.

To learn more about NAHQ's initiatives, visit NAHQ.org.