Charlene MacDonald Takes the Helm as New CEO of Federation of American Hospitals

In a significant shift for the Federation of American Hospitals (FAH), Charlene MacDonald has been appointed to lead as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. This transition follows the retirement of Charles (Chip) N. Kahn III, marking a new chapter in the organization which represents over 1,000 tax-paying hospitals across the United States.

The FAH Board of Directors expressed their unwavering confidence in MacDonald. Marc D. Miller, the Chair of the FAH Board and CEO of Universal Health Services, praised her, stating, "Charlene brings the right combination of experience, expertise, vision, and commitment to our mission of improving patients' access to quality healthcare." MacDonald's tenure at FAH began in 2023 when she served as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. In this capacity, she successfully spearheaded advocacy, government relations, and communications efforts, while also overseeing crucial finance and operations teams within the organization.

During her appointment, MacDonald emphasized the critical role that strategic partnerships play among stakeholders in the healthcare sector, as well as with lawmakers from both parties, to navigate the challenges facing tax-paying hospitals today. "As President and CEO, I will focus on pragmatic, bipartisan solutions that enhance our members' ability to provide high-quality, affordable patient care to communities throughout the country," MacDonald affirmed.

Her impressive background includes significant roles in both policy and strategic consultancy within public and private sectors. Before her service at FAH, she was Chief Government Affairs Officer at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, where she led initiatives in public policy and external relations. Moreover, as a key figure at FTI Consulting, she managed the Healthcare and Life Sciences sector within their Strategic Communications division.

Her career also includes extensive experience on Capitol Hill, where she held senior policy roles for over a decade. In these roles, MacDonald cultivated important relationships with legislators, contributing to the enactment of landmark bipartisan legislation, including the 21st Century Cures Act and the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA).

Academically, MacDonald holds a degree from Lake Forest College and a master's degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School, equipping her with the robust knowledge required for effective leadership in the complex healthcare landscape.

As the new CEO, MacDonald aims to push forward FAH’s commitment to public policy that ensures patients have access to high-quality, affordable care. Under her guidance, FAH is poised to advocate for market-based innovations while nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The Federation currently represents nearly 20% of U.S. hospitals, making its mission vital in the promotion of health policy that benefits patients nationwide. With MacDonald's appointment, the FAH is set to align its strategies further and strengthen its advocacy efforts in pursuit of improved healthcare access for communities vehemently relying on its network.

In a landscape fraught with challenges, MacDonald’s leadership is a beacon of hope for tax-paying hospitals striving to maintain their service quality amidst evolving policy and market dynamics. Her commitment to bipartisan solutions could prove pivotal in navigating the industry's complexities and sustaining affordable care for millions of Americans.

For more information about the Federation of American Hospitals, visit fah.org and stay updated on their initiatives through social media channels.