Mark O’Bryant, President & CEO of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare Recognized as Grassroots Champion
April 14, 2010 – The American Hospital Association (AHA), in partnership with the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) has awarded Mark O’Bryant, President & Chief Executive Officer of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare with the American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion Award. As a 2010 Grassroots Champion, O’Bryant is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of a hospital’s mission.
The American Hospital Association Grassroots Champion Award was created to recognize those hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital, and is a tireless advocate for the hospital and its patients.
“We depend upon strong voices like Mark’s to help tell the story of hospitals as cornerstones of the communities they serve,” said Rich Umbdenstock, AHA President and CEO. “This award is a small token of our appreciation for his hard work and dedication to improving health and health care in America.”
O’Bryant has served on the FHA Board of Trustees since 2006 and was Chair of the Board from October 2008 to October 2009. “Mark O’Bryant leads by example. He meets routinely with members of Congress in Washington and in Tallahassee to inform and educate them on health care issues. In fact, members of our delegation seek his opinion on key policy concerns. The past year, Mark met time after time with our members of Congress so they understood the impact of health care reform on hospitals throughout our diverse state. From fund raising to grass roots advocacy to policy development, Mark continues to be an actively engaged Florida leader. He has richly earned the honor of being named an AHA Grassroots Champion for 2010,” said Bruce Rueben, FHA President.
The award is presented annually to one individual from each state with winners being chosen by the state association. The 2010 honorees will be recognized at a special Breakfast of Grassroots Champions at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting on Tuesday, April 27, 2010. O’Bryant is one of 52 individuals honored this year.
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About the FHA
The Florida Hospital Association is a Tallahassee based trade association representing 183 hospitals and health systems from across the state. The Association is organized to advocate proactively on behalf of hospitals at the state and federal levels on issues that will assist its members in their mission of community services and care to patients.
Contact: Sarah Byrd
Director of Communications
(850) 222-9800
