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WASHINGTON (August 5, 2002) - The American Hospital Association's (AHA) board of trustees has elected David L. Bernd chair-elect designate of its board of trustees. Bernd will assume the chairmanship in 2004, making him the top elected official of the largest hospital and health system association in the United States.
Prior to his chairmanship, Bernd will become chairman-elect on Jan. 1, 2003. As chairman-elect, he will preside over AHA's strategic planning committee, which identifies the association's priority initiatives.
"I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues as we work to improve health care for the patients and communities we serve," said Bernd. "It's a privilege to represent the health care leaders that give the American Hospital Association its strength."
Bernd is president and chief executive officer of Sentara Healthcare in Norfolk, Va. Throughout his tenure, Bernd has kept patient-focused care the goal of Sentara's six hospitals, 300,000-member provider-owned health insurance plans, seven nursing homes, three assisted living facilities and a 175-member medical group. With Sentara since 1972, Bernd has held a variety of positions, including executive vice president/chief operating officer of Sentara Health System and president of Sentara Hospitals-Norfolk.
Involved in all aspects of patient care, Bernd has served the AHA in a variety of roles. He chaired a regional policy board, served on the board of trustees and was a member of the ad hoc committee on resource price adjustments. He is currently chairman of the task force on regulatory reform and relief. In addition to his AHA involvement, Bernd is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives; a member of the Society of Health Service Administrators; a member of the board of directors of VHA, Inc; and a past chairman of the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association.
Bernd will succeed Dennis Barry, who becomes chairman of the board on Jan. 1, 2003. Barry serves as president and CEO of Moses Cone Health System in Greensboro, N.C.
Bernd holds a master's degree in hospital and health administration from the Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, Va. and a bachelor's degree from The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Va.
About the AHA
The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations that are committed to health improvement in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks and other providers of care. Founded in 1898, AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends.
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