Featured Stories
NABIP Announces 2026-27 Board of Trustees at 96th Annual Convention
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (formerly the National Association of Health Underwriters) issued the following news release:
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NABIP Announces 2026-27 Board of Trustees at 96th Annual Convention
The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) announced its 2026-27 Board of Trustees during the association's 96th Annual Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The newly elected leaders will guide the association's strategic priorities and advocacy efforts over the coming year.
Executive Committee:
President
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (formerly the National Association of Health Underwriters) issued the following news release:
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NABIP Announces 2026-27 Board of Trustees at 96th Annual Convention
The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP) announced its 2026-27 Board of Trustees during the association's 96th Annual Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The newly elected leaders will guide the association's strategic priorities and advocacy efforts over the coming year.
Executive Committee:
President- Mychal Walker
Mychal Walker is Managing Director of The Walker Agency in Duluth, Georgia. A longtime NABIP leader, he previously served as Georgia Chapter President, and Region IV Vice President and most recently as Incoming President. Mychal has been a strong advocate for the profession through NABIP's legislative and media initiatives.
Incoming President - Mark Gaunya
Mark Gaunya is Founder and CEO of Captivated Health in Methuen, Massachusetts. A respected healthcare innovator and longtime NABIP leader, he previously served as National Legislative Chair, President of the Massachusetts Chapter, and Delta Task Force Chair. He also co-authored NABIP's Healthcare Bill of Rights, reinforcing the association's leadership on healthcare policy and patient advocacy.
Vice President - Keith Wallace
Keith Wallace is National Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Trucordia Insurance Services in Bellingham, WA. Keith has served in numerous leadership roles, including Washington State Chapter President, National Membership Chair, Region VIII Vice President, and most recently as Treasurer and Secretary.
Treasurer - Patrick Burns
Patrick Burns is Founder and Managing Member of Burns Employee Benefits Insurance Services in Oakland, California. A longtime NABIP leader and legislative advocate, he previously served as Region VIII Vice President, California AHU President, and Golden Gate AHU President.
Secretary - Paige Phillips
Paige Phillips is Managing Partner of Paige Phillips Agency in Columbiana, Alabama, where she serves as a trusted Medicare advisor. She previously served as Region VI Vice President and has held numerous leadership roles, including Alabama Chapter President, Professional Development Chair, and Medicare Chair.
Immediate Past President - Susan Rider
A nationally recognized presenter and instructor, she previously served as NABIP President and has held numerous leadership roles, including Professional Development Chair, Media Chair, Young Agents Chair, Indiana Chapter President, and local chapter President.
"It is an honor to serve as NABIP President and work alongside such an outstanding leadership team," said Mychal Walker. "Together, we will continue strengthening our profession, advocating for the vital role of licensed agents and brokers, and ensuring our members have the education, resources, and support they need to succeed. As we move Forward Together, we remain committed to innovation, collaboration, and delivering exceptional value to our members and the consumers they serve."
The 2026-27 Board of Trustees also includes:
* Legislative Council Chair - Chris Vanderwolk, Director of Compliance & Innovation, OneDigital | Kistler Tiffany Benefits General Agency
* Membership Chair - Michelle Wilson-Reynolds, Founder, MPOWR Assurance
* Professional Development Chair - Jennifer Lowery, President, Lowery Consulting Agency
* Region I Vice President - William G. (Bill) Stuart, Founding Partner, Benegames (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont)
* Region II Vice President - Alexis Bruni, Senior Benefits Consultant, Alera Group (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia)
* Region III Vice President - Sara Walker-Hite, Owner & Principal Agent, Silver Wolf Insurance Services LLC (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia)
* Region IV Vice President - Liz Dannenberg, Director of Broker Relations, Self Fund Health (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin)
* Region V Vice President - Angela Mlynarski, Regional Sales Manager, Sidecar Health (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee)
* Region VI Vice President - Nedra Clingan, Director of Sales & Account Management, Small Business - Texas/Oklahoma, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual (Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas) - Region VII Vice President - Megan Fearing, Owner & Broker, Insurance Marketing Enterprises, Inc. (Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming)
* Region VIII Vice President - Dawn McFarland, Founder & President, M&M Benefit Solutions Insurance Services (Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington)
The 2026-27 Board of Trustees officially began its term on July 1 and will lead the association's efforts to advance advocacy, professional development, and member engagement while championing the value of licensed health insurance and employee benefits professionals and the consumers they serve.
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NABIP is the preeminent organization for health insurance and employee benefits professionals, working diligently to ensure all Americans have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare and related benefits. To meet that vital mission, NABIP advances the interests of its members and advocates for sound public-policy solutions. NABIP represents and provides professional development opportunities for more than 100,000 licensed health insurance agents, brokers, general agents, consultants, and benefit professionals through more than 150 chapters across America.
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Original text here: https://nabip.org/media/11102/2026-2027-board-announcement.pdf
[Category: Insurance]
Cutting-edge Aviation Technology to Be Featured at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 on July 21
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, July 3 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release:
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Cutting-edge aviation technology to be featured at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 on July 21
Includes Boeing Plaza displays and air show demonstrations
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The future of aviation technology will be highlighted on July 21 as EAA AirVenture Oshkosh continues its annual tradition of featuring the latest innovations as part of displays on Boeing Plaza and demonstrations during the Tuesday air show. The 73rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional
... Show Full Article
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, July 3 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release:
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Cutting-edge aviation technology to be featured at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 on July 21
Includes Boeing Plaza displays and air show demonstrations
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The future of aviation technology will be highlighted on July 21 as EAA AirVenture Oshkosh continues its annual tradition of featuring the latest innovations as part of displays on Boeing Plaza and demonstrations during the Tuesday air show. The 73rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention is July 20-26 at Wittman RegionalAirport in Oshkosh.
"EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the focal point of the calendar for the aviation community every year, making it the perfect opportunity for companies to showcase what is on the horizon," said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. "The collection of innovations taking the stage on Tuesday represent just part of where aviation is heading."
Boeing Plaza will be packed with aircraft to celebrate the theme. Currently planned innovation displays for July 21 include BETA Technologies, Bye Aerospace, Jetson, American Drone, MagniX, Zipline, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Airhart Aeronautics, Merlin Labs, Amazon Delivery, and Starlight Productions
In addition to the displays on Boeing Plaza, Bye Aerospace, Jetson, BETA Technologies, American Drone, and ScaleWings will fly during the afternoon air show. Drone delivery company Wing will display the latest developments in its operations at Twilight Flight Fest.
The July 21 air show lineup is subject to change without notice. A full lineup for the show, along with the rest of the week, is available on the Air Show page of the AirVenture website.
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About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" and EAA's membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.EAA.org.
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Original text here: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/about-eaa/eaa-media-room/airventure-news-releases/innovations-day-2026
[Category: Aerospace]
American Securities Association Issues Letter to House Rules Committee
WASHINGTON, July 3 (TNSletter) -- The American Securities Association issued the following letter to the House Rules Committee:
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Here is the text of the letter:
June 29, 2026
The Honorable Virginia Foxx
Chairwoman, Committee on Rules
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20510
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The Honorable Jim McGovern
Ranking Member, Committee on Rules
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20510
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Re: Amendment No. 971 to H.R. 8800
Dear Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member McGovern:
I. American Securities Association Support for Amendment No. 971 to H.R. 8800 - INVEST Act.
The
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 (TNSletter) -- The American Securities Association issued the following letter to the House Rules Committee:
* * *
Here is the text of the letter:
June 29, 2026
The Honorable Virginia Foxx
Chairwoman, Committee on Rules
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20510
-
The Honorable Jim McGovern
Ranking Member, Committee on Rules
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20510
-
Re: Amendment No. 971 to H.R. 8800
Dear Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member McGovern:
I. American Securities Association Support for Amendment No. 971 to H.R. 8800 - INVEST Act.
TheAmerican Securities Association1 (ASA) strongly supports Amendment No. 971 to H.R. 8800, which incorporates the full text of the Incentivizing New Ventures and Economic Strength Through Capital Formation Act (INVEST Act).
The INVEST Act passed the House with broad bipartisan support.2 It tailors regulation for small public companies, expands investment opportunities in both public and private markets, and saves investors millions of dollars annually by permitting electronic delivery of client communications.
II. Section 205 - Improving Disclosure for Investors.
This provision makes electronic delivery of investor communication the default mechanism for shareholder and customer materials across broker-dealers, investment managers, and advisers -- a long overdue, common-sense update reflecting how the vast majority of investors receive and review information today. Investors who prefer paper may opt out at any time. The ASA thanks Reps. Huizenga and Sherman for their leadership on this provision.
III. Amendments to the Accredited Investor Definition (Title II).
The ASA supports expanding the accredited investor definition under SEC Rule 501. For nearly four decades, accredited status has been gated almost exclusively by income and net worth thresholds -- effectively sidelining millions of households from private investment opportunities. As the SEC's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation has noted, this framework has had a disproportionately discriminatory impact on minorities.
The SEC took a step in the right direction in 2020 by permitting holders of FINRA Series 7, 65, or 82 licenses -- and potentially other credentials such as the CFA or CFP -- to qualify as accredited investors. But more can and should be done. Title II builds on that progress by creating additional pathways to accredited status beyond wealth thresholds This promotes financial inclusion by empowering a broader range of investors to access both public and private securities.
IV. Expanding the IPO On-Ramp (Title III).
The ASA strongly supports Title III's efforts to build on the success of the 2012 JOBS Act by further tailoring regulation for emerging growth companies (EGCs) and smaller public companies. Key provisions would extend "test the waters" and confidential filing accommodations to all issuers and reduce the required audited financial statement period for EGCs from three years to two -- lowering costs for pre-IPO companies and incentivizing more businesses to enter the public markets.
V. Conclusion.
The ASA has been proud to work alongside members of both parties on these issues and urges the House Rules Committee to make Amendment No. 971 in order for House consideration of H.R. 8800
Sincerely,
Christopher A. Iacovella, President & Chief Executive Officer, American Securities Association
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Original text and footnotes here: https://15c72067-2929-4106-8883-14b2d4025a5b.usrfiles.com/ugd/15c720_d513d8f0ce8340c8956b0c575db803a8.pdf
News Release here: https://www.americansecurities.org/post/asa-urges-house-rules-committee-to-make-invest-act-amendment-in-order
[Category: Financial Services]
American Securities Association Issues Letter to House Financial Services Committee
WASHINGTON, July 3 (TNSletter) -- The American Securities Association issued the following letter to the House Financial Services Committee:
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Here is the text of the letter:
June 30, 2026
The Honorable French Hill
Chairman
Financial Services Committee
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
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The Honorable Maxine Waters
Ranking Member
Financial Services Committee
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
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Re: June 30th, 2026 Financial Services Committee Markup
Dear Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters:
The American Securities Association (ASA)1 appreciates
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 (TNSletter) -- The American Securities Association issued the following letter to the House Financial Services Committee:
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Here is the text of the letter:
June 30, 2026
The Honorable French Hill
Chairman
Financial Services Committee
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
-
The Honorable Maxine Waters
Ranking Member
Financial Services Committee
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
-
Re: June 30th, 2026 Financial Services Committee Markup
Dear Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters:
The American Securities Association (ASA)1 appreciatesthe ongoing work of the Financial Services Committee to promote regulatory accountability, protect investors, and facilitate capital formation for small businesses in America.
We are pleased to support the following bills that the Committee is scheduled to markup during the June 30th/July 1st markup:
1. H.R. 1483, the Protecting Investors' Personally Identifiable Information Act
ASA strongly supports this legislation, and we commend Rep. Loudermilk for continued leadership to protect American investors from the grave privacy threats posed by the CAT.
The CAT's collection of Americans' personal and financial information has enabled the largest surveillance scheme ever assembled by the federal government -- one that poses unconscionable risks to the privacy, security, and finances of millions of investors.
Tracking Americans through the stock market without any evidence of wrongdoing violates the 4th Amendment and exposes them to cybersecurity risks that far outweigh any regulatory benefit. Investor protection is one prong of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) threepart mission. This Orwellian registry betrays it.
The SEC already has complete access to investor data upon request. There is no demonstrated need for a permanent national surveillance apparatus -- and no legitimate purpose that justifies putting American families at risk of total financial loss. ASA recently provided detailed comments setting out extensive legal arguments to the SEC regarding the enormous threat posed by the CAT.2
We urge Congress to pass this legislation as expeditiously as possible.
2. H.R. 9329, the SEC Reform and Restructuring Act
ASA supports this legislation and we thank Chair Wagner for her work to improve transparency and accountability at the SEC.
The SEC Regulatory Accountability Act would improve the SEC's regulatory process by requiring the SEC to: (1) ensure that a regulation is consistent with the SEC's mission and within the agency's statutory remit; (2) only adopt a new regulation if it can make a reasoned determination that the economic benefits of the rule outweigh the costs; and (3) give the public a minimum of 60 days to provide input on proposed regulations.
Many of the provisions of these bills are consistent with executive orders issued by both Republican and Democratic Administrations in recent years.3
Over the last few years, the SEC has too often ignored its obligation to perform cost-benefit analysis in the rulemaking process and has paid little attention to the cumulative costs of regulation on market participants and the broader economy.
For example, in 2022, the SEC hastily proposed four substantive rulemakings related to equity market structure but paid absolutely no attention to how each rule would interact with the other or what the overall cost impact on the markets would be once the rules were adopted.4
The previous SEC also wasted taxpayer resources on rulemakings that have been thrown out by the courts.5 And, this SEC recently proposed the rescission of the SEC 2024 climate disclosure rule - the single most expensive rulemaking ever adopted in the history of the agency.
Had the SEC followed the basic guidelines laid out in the legislation the Subcommittee is now considering, it could have focused on more productive priorities to fulfill its mission to the investing public.
This legislation would also restore a constitutional order to regulatory agencies by transferring the functions of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) into the SEC.
3. H.R. 9331, the Strengthening Transaction Oversight and Preventing (STOP) Payments Fraud Act of 2026
ASA appreciates the work of Rep. Kim and other members of the Committee to protect Americans from increasingly sophisticated scams and cyberattacks that target the sensitive personal and financial information of individuals.
ASA was pleased to recently support Rep. Wagner's Financial Exploitation Prevention Act6 and we support Rep. Kim's efforts here under H.R. 9331 to protect financial institutions from liability if they withhold certain funds on suspicion of fraud or exploitation. These legal protections are necessary to assist those on the front lines of consumer and investor service in protecting the most vulnerable from financial scams.
4. Resolution to Reauthorize the Task Force on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity
ASA supports the ongoing work of this Task Force which will focus on the structural vulnerabilities threatening the world's most important financial market. We look forward to working with members of the Task Force to advance commonsense solutions that strengthen Treasury market resilience, preserve access to capital for all Americans, and ensure that regulatory frameworks reflect the realities faced by market participants of every size.
ASA appreciates the Committee's work on these important issues and urge members to approve these bills as swiftly as possible.
Sincerely,
Christopher A. Iacovella, President & Chief Executive Officer, American Securities Association
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Original text and footnotes here: https://15c72067-2929-4106-8883-14b2d4025a5b.usrfiles.com/ugd/15c720_b59d47812d4045338cf5033ebe72a804.pdf
News Release here: https://www.americansecurities.org/post/asa-to-congress-end-the-cat-s-mass-surveillance-and-restore-sec-accountability
[Category: Financial Services]
American Petroleum Institute: Why Offshore Matters for America's Next 250 Years
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The American Petroleum Institute posted the following statement on July 1, 2026:
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Why Offshore Matters for America's Next 250 Years
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, instability in the Middle East is a reminder of one of our country's greatest modern achievements: we changed our energy destiny. A generation ago, global disruptions exposed America's dependence on foreign energy. Today, the United States is the world's leading producer of oil and natural gas.
America didn't become an energy superpower by accident. It was built through decades of innovation,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The American Petroleum Institute posted the following statement on July 1, 2026:
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Why Offshore Matters for America's Next 250 Years
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, instability in the Middle East is a reminder of one of our country's greatest modern achievements: we changed our energy destiny. A generation ago, global disruptions exposed America's dependence on foreign energy. Today, the United States is the world's leading producer of oil and natural gas.
America didn't become an energy superpower by accident. It was built through decades of innovation,investment and policies that expanded access to our abundant natural resources. Now, the next federal offshore leasing program will help determine whether that advantage endures well into the 2030s and beyond.
API's American Energy Security Framework identifies strengthening offshore leasing as a key priority for preserving America's long-term energy advantage. This week's American Energy Snapshot explains why.
Today's offshore industry operates under one of the world's most robust safety and operational frameworks. More than 275 API standards and recommended practices help guide offshore design, construction and operations, supporting continuous improvements in safety, reliability and environmental performance.
Built for the Long Term
Shale and offshore production play different -- but complementary -- roles.
Shale production provides speed and flexibility. Offshore production requires years of planning and investment, but delivers large, durable supplies of energy for decades. Together, they create a more resilient energy system.
According to Rystad Energy, a single offshore well can recover more than 10 million barrels of oil equivalent over its lifetime, while a typical Permian shale well produces less than one million barrels. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that in 2025 just 18 deepwater facilities accounted for nearly 10% of U.S. crude oil production -- more than the combined output of Oklahoma, Colorado and Wyoming.
America's energy advantage comes from a diverse energy system designed to deliver reliable energy safely and over the long term.
A Strategic National Asset
Offshore production creates value far beyond the barrels it produces.
It supports around 250,000 high-skilled American jobs, generates billions of dollars in public revenue, helps fund conservation through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and supports American ports, manufacturers and a broad U.S. supply chain.
Today's Leasing Decisions, Tomorrow's Energy
Unlike most onshore production, offshore development depends almost entirely on federal leasing decisions.
Because projects require years of planning, billions of dollars of investment and often produce for decades, today's leasing decisions will help determine how much American energy is available well beyond the 2030s.
The upcoming five-year offshore leasing program is one of the country's most consequential long-term energy policy decisions. API has advocated for opening a relatively small area in the South-Central Gulf that could produce more than 470,000 additional barrels of oil per day by 2040, while leveraging existing infrastructure. Alaska and the Pacific also represent important opportunities to strengthen regional supply security and America's long-term resilience.
The Takeaway
Offshore oil and natural gas production is one of America's greatest strategic assets. It provides reliable energy for decades, supports high-paying American jobs, generates billions of dollars in public revenue and strengthens our ability to respond to future disruptions.
America didn't become an energy superpower by accident -- and it won't remain one by accident. Preserving that advantage requires long-term policy choices today so America has the energy it needs for the next 250 years.
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Original text here: https://www.api.org/news-policy-and-issues/news/2026/07/01/why-offshore-matters-for-america-next-250-years
[Category: Energy]
America's Essential Hospitals Names New Board Leaders
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The America's Essential Hospitals issued the following news release:
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America's Essential Hospitals Names New Board Leaders
Katrina Keefer, MPA, will serve as 2026-2027 chair of America's Essential Hospitals' board of directors. Keefer is president and CEO of DCH Health System, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
"The work of America's Essential Hospitals has never been more important," Keefer said. "I am honored and humbled to serve as the chair of a board dedicated to advancing policies and partnerships for the benefit of hospitals caring for the most vulnerable populations. I
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The America's Essential Hospitals issued the following news release:
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America's Essential Hospitals Names New Board Leaders
Katrina Keefer, MPA, will serve as 2026-2027 chair of America's Essential Hospitals' board of directors. Keefer is president and CEO of DCH Health System, in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
"The work of America's Essential Hospitals has never been more important," Keefer said. "I am honored and humbled to serve as the chair of a board dedicated to advancing policies and partnerships for the benefit of hospitals caring for the most vulnerable populations. Ilook forward to working with my colleagues on the board and within the association, who share a commitment to advancing health equity, strengthening the nation's health care safety net through innovation, and improving outcomes for the patients and communities we serve."
Keefer succeeds Thomas Quatroche Jr., PhD, who recently departed as president and CEO of ECMC, in Buffalo, N.Y.
The board also welcomes the following leaders:
* Chair-Elect: Albert Wright Jr., PharmD, MHA, president and CEO, WVU Medicine, Morgantown, W.Va.
* Treasurer: Sheldon McLeod, CEO, NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dixie James, MBA, president, Central Region of Jefferson Health, Philadelphia, continues as secretary, and Jacob Cintron, MAcc, MBA, president and CEO, University Medical Center of El Paso, El Paso, Texas, continues as past chair.
America's Essential Hospitals' board welcomes these new at-large directors:
* Carol Gomes, MS, CEO and chief operating officer, Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, N.Y.
* Michael Wagner, MD, president and CEO, Care New England Health System, Providence, R.I.
"Essential hospitals have mission-focused leaders who serve their communities with purpose and compassion," said Jennifer DeCubellis, president and CEO of America's Essential Hospitals. "We are grateful for these leaders stepping up to ensure that we benefit nationally and drive health care quality and access forward together as essential health systems. At such a critical time, we have the very best leading the way!"
Essential Hospitals Institute, America's Essential Hospitals' research, education, and leadership development arm, also welcomed new leadership.
Shannon Sale, MHA, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Grady Health System, in Atlanta, is the Institute's new board chair. She succeeds Rohit Bhalla, MD, MPH, senior vice president, chief clinical and quality officer at Stamford Hospital, in Stamford, Conn., who becomes past chair.
"At a time when health care organizations are being called on to do more than ever, Essential Hospitals Institute plays a critical role in helping essential hospitals develop solutions, share expertise, and improve outcomes for the people and communities we serve," said Sale. "As board chair, I look forward to partnering with my colleagues to shape and advance initiatives that foster innovation, cultivate future leaders, and generate the knowledge to strengthen the health care safety net for years to come."
The Institute board also welcomes the following leaders:
* Chair-Elect and Secretary: Deborah Visconi, MS, president and CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Paramus, N.J.
* Treasurer: Michelle O'Keefe, MA, chief communications officer, Eskenazi Health, Indianapolis
Jennifer DeCubellis continues to serve as recording secretary (ex officio).
The Institute board welcomes new at-large member director Carolynn Jones, JD, executive vice president and chief compliance and risk officer of Harris Health, in Houston. Two at-large outside directors also joined the board:
* Katherine Browne, MBA, MHA, principal, Constellation Consulting, Washington, D.C.
* Sarita Mohanty, MD, MBA, MPH, president and CEO, The SCAN Foundation, Long Beach, Calif.
For a full list of board members, visit the America's Essential Hospitals website (https://essentialhospitals.org/association/board-of-directors/).
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About America's Essential Hospitals
America's Essential Hospitals is the leading association and champion for hospitals dedicated to high-quality care for all, including those who face social and financial barriers to care. Since 1981, America's Essential Hospitals has advanced policies and programs that promote health and access to health care. We support our more than 400 members with advocacy, policy development, research, education, and leadership development. Communities depend on essential hospitals for care across the continuum, health care workforce training, research, public health, and other services. Supported by Essential Hospitals Institute, the association's research and education arm, essential hospitals innovate and adapt to lead all of health care toward better outcomes and value.
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About Essential Hospitals Institute
Essential Hospitals Institute leads research, education, dissemination, and leadership development for America's Essential Hospitals. To advance the quality, safety, and affordability of care at essential hospitals, the Institute identifies promising practices in the field, provides professional development training, promotes practice improvements, and disseminates innovative approaches to care. It does this with an eye toward improving individual and population health through community-integrated health care.
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Original text here: https://essentialhospitals.org/americas-essential-hospitals-names-new-board-leaders/
[Category: Health Care]
AAMC Statement on CY 2027 Hospital OPPS Proposed Rule
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Association of American Medical Colleges issued the following statement on July 2, 2026:
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AAMC Statement on CY 2027 Hospital OPPS Proposed Rule
AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD, issued the following statement on the calendar year (CY) 2027 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule released today by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):
"The AAMC is deeply troubled by provisions in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' proposed CY 2027 hospital OPPS rule released today, which will undermine the ability
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 3 -- The Association of American Medical Colleges issued the following statement on July 2, 2026:
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AAMC Statement on CY 2027 Hospital OPPS Proposed Rule
AAMC President and CEO David J. Skorton, MD, issued the following statement on the calendar year (CY) 2027 Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) proposed rule released today by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS):
"The AAMC is deeply troubled by provisions in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' proposed CY 2027 hospital OPPS rule released today, which will undermine the abilityof academic health systems, teaching hospitals, and their physician faculty to adequately care for the patients and communities they serve.
The proposed cuts to Medicare reimbursement for hospital outpatient departments, severe reduction in drug reimbursement for 340B hospitals, and the accelerated recoupment of billions of dollars related to previous unlawful 340B hospital payment cuts, would have devastating and enduring effects on access to care for patients across the country. These payment proposals disproportionately affect organizations that care for many of the nation's most medically complex patients, threatening access to critical services and leading to worsening health outcomes.
The four mission areas of academic medicine - clinical care, medical education and training, biomedical research, and community collaborations - are so deeply connected that cuts to one mission, in this case the clinical mission, would harm the effectiveness of the others. Every dollar that is cut from teaching hospitals is a dollar that can no longer support patient care, physician training, or investments in life-saving research.
The AAMC urges CMS not to finalize these proposals as they will harm access to care and the health of patients and communities."
Past AAMC press releases and other media resources are available in the AAMC Press Center.
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The AAMC is a nonprofit association dedicated to improving the health of people everywhere through medical education, clinical care, biomedical research, and community collaborations. Its members are all 163 U.S. medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education; 13 Canadian medical schools accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools; nearly 500 academic health systems and teaching hospitals, including Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers; and more than 70 academic societies. Through these institutions and organizations, the AAMC leads and serves America's medical schools, academic health systems and teaching hospitals, and the millions of individuals across academic medicine, including more than 210,000 full-time faculty members, 99,000 medical students, 162,000 resident physicians, and 60,000 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the biomedical sciences. Through the Alliance of Academic Health Centers International, AAMC membership reaches more than 60 international academic health centers throughout five regional offices across the globe.
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Original text here: https://www.aamc.org/news/press-releases/aamc-statement-cy-2027-hospital-opps-proposed-rule
[Category: Medical]
