NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release I Oct. 26, 2023
Media Contact: Holly Ward I 602-445-4327 I [email protected]
Phoenix, Ariz. (Oct. 26, 2023) – The Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) Board of Directors announced today that it approved new healthcare executives to serve on its board and confirmed its roster for 2024.
In association with its 15-member board, AzHHA brings together health leaders from across the state to tackle key issues and challenges they face every day. As a resourceful, influential and diverse hospital association, AzHHA works tirelessly to advance healthcare public policy to implement programs that promote better health and healthcare throughout Arizona.
The following Arizona healthcare executives were approved to join the AzHHA Board of Directors Thursday:
• Philip Fitzgerald, RN, CEO, Havasu Regional Medical Center
• Jackie Lundblad, CEO, Wickenburg Community Hospital
The board also approved Jennifer Gutowski, FACHE, director, Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, as a board observer to participate in board dialogue and to bring the perspective of the Southern Arizona VA into our healthcare ecosystem.
The new board members will serve a three-year term on the AzHHA Board of Directors with terms expiring in October 2026. Their tenure will begin at the next board meeting in December 2023.
“We are thrilled with this slate of new board members as they represent a great depth of healthcare leadership from across the state and with a diversity of experiences across the healthcare continuum,” said Ann-Marie Alameddin, president and CEO of AzHHA. “The AzHHA Board of Directors continues to bring together diverse voices to advance health and healthcare in Arizona.”
AzHHA’s Board of Directors includes hospital and healthcare leaders representing various communities throughout Arizona – from large health systems to rural hospitals. The fundamental responsibilities of the Board Officers, and its Board of Directors, are to set policy and broad strategic direction toward the fulfillment of AzHHA’s mission.
“As we welcome new members to our board, we say goodbye with gratitude to those who will be completing their terms this year,” said Board Chair Neal Jensen. “The last few years have been a challenging time in healthcare, and we appreciate their leadership and service.”
Outgoing members who will conclude their term in December 2023 include:
Rona Curphy, CEO and CNO, The CORE Institute Specialty Hospital
Julia Strange, vice president, external affairs and brand, TMC Health
Catherine Todero, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean and professor, College of Nursing, vice provost of health science campuses, Creighton University
A full list of the current 2023 AzHHA Board of Directors is available on AzHHA’s website ( azhha.org/board_of_ directors_2023).
