The Iowa Hospital Association’s board of officers and trustees announced the appointment of Christopher Mitchell as the association’s next president and CEO. Mitchell will succeed Kirk Norris, who has been IHA’s president and CEO since 2002 and is retiring after 34 years with the association. Mitchell is currently the executive vice president of advocacy and public affairs for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association. He will start his new role with IHA in mid-October.

“Our national search identified several exceptional candidates for us to consider, and the review and interview process was extensive,” said Jason Harrington, chair of IHA’s board of officers and trustees, and president and CEO of Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake.  

During his 19 years as IHA’s president and CEO, Norris has guided the organization to significantly expand Iowa hospitals’ influence and leadership in public policy, information technology and professional education, the association said.

“Kirk has provided incomparable leadership during his time with IHA, and his direction has resulted in many impressive achievements on behalf of Iowa hospitals,” Harrington said. “We feel Chris is an excellent choice to continue this rich tradition of service, support and advocacy for Iowa hospitals.”

Mitchell began with the Michigan Health and Hospital Association in 2006 as an administrative fellow in the association’s advocacy division. From there he rose through the association’s ranks, holding leadership roles in government relations, political affairs and advocacy. Mitchell has been in his current position since January 2019. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science/prelaw from Michigan State University and his MBA from the University of Notre Dame.