Quality Advisor

Kyle O’Brien Begins Tenure as WHA President and CEO

Kyle O’Brien officially assumed the role of Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) President and CEO, effective July 1, 2025. O’Brien succeeds Eric Borgerding, who retired on June 30 after 27 years of service to WHA, including the past 10 years as president and CEO. Borgerding will continue to serve in an advisory capacity through the end of the year.

O’Brien has more than a decade of experience at WHA, most recently serving as senior vice president of government relations. Since joining WHA in 2012, he has led the organization’s advocacy strategy, played a key role in shaping public policy and contributed to WHA’s operational and strategic direction.

“This transition represents a continuation of WHA’s strong leadership and commitment to serving Wisconsin’s hospitals and health systems,” said WHA Board Chair Dr. Jeff Bahr, chief physician executive, Aurora Health Care. “Kyle’s knowledge of the issues facing health care, his experience working with state and federal policymakers and his deep understanding of WHA’s mission position him well to lead the organization into the future.”

“I’m honored to take on this role and to continue WHA’s mission of advocating for accessible, high-quality health care in Wisconsin,” said O’Brien. “It’s a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team and with our members who are making a real difference in their communities every day.”

O’Brien is the seventh individual to serve as WHA president and CEO in the association’s 105-year history.

For more information on the leadership transition, see the announcement press release here.

2025 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Conference

WHA Chief Quality Officer Nadine Allen participated in the CMS Quality Conference in Baltimore earlier this month, representing Superior Health as Vice Chair of the Board and Enterprise-Wide Systems Director. Jenny Pritchett, WHA Clinical Quality Improvement Manager, also attended on behalf of Superior Health Quality Alliance in her role as Health Systems Leader. This year’s conference centered on advancing health outcomes through prevention, quality and safety. Key discussions included leveraging quality data, fostering collaboration with partners and communities, incorporating patient and caregiver perspectives, exploring innovations in artificial intelligence and expanding access to high-quality care.

The event also highlighted the launch of the 13th Statement of Work, a quality improvement contract with CMS that began on May 28, 2025, in which WHA, as a founding member, plays an integral role through Superior Health Quality Alliance.

The CMS Quality Conference brings together advocates, health care providers and researchers committed to improving care quality nationwide.

Advancing Health Workforce Well-Being

The Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW) recently awarded a grant to WHA in partnership with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation to strengthen and support Wisconsin well-being approaches.

Dr. Michael Stadler, an associate professor of otolaryngology at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) who will lead the work for AHW, said he understands the pressure of working in the medical field and one of his top priorities is the well-being of health care workers. Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment is one of Wisconsin's largest health philanthropies and this investment will help combat burnout and enhance the well-being of Wisconsin's health care workers. Learn more in the interview here.