Jeffrey Austin Named President of Maine Hospital Association

The Maine Hospital Association (MHA) announced today that Jeffrey Austin has been named president of the Association, effective March 1.

Austin currently serves as the MHA’s vice president of government affairs and communications. As president, Austin will lead the association’s efforts to support Maine’s hospitals as they work to meet the healthcare needs of communities across the state.​

“I’d like to thank the members of the executive committee and the board for all their time and effort in conducting this national search and helping us get to this outstanding result,” said Steve Littleson, chair of the Maine Hospital Association Board of Directors and president and CEO of Central Maine Healthcare. “We know we have daunting challenges facing our field in the coming years, but we have full confidence that Jeff will lead us all in meeting those challenges head on and successfully.”

As vice president, Austin has served as the association’s principal lobbyist, leading advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels. Over the last 16 years, Austin has been instrumental in many wins at the Maine State House, most recently working on behalf of Maine hospitals to secure funding through the Rural Health Transformation Fund, and in blocking the Department of Health and Human Services’ 340B Drug Rebate Pilot Program.

He is also responsible for MHA’s communications strategy, staffs the Public Policy Council and Hospital Public Relations Directors meetings and serves as treasurer of Friends of Maine Hospitals, the association’s political action committee.

“I am honored and grateful to be named president of the Maine Hospital Association. I want to thank the board of directors and the search committee for their confidence in me. I would also like to thank the entire membership and staff for their incredible support throughout my 16 years at the association,” Austin said. “Hospitals and health systems are facing a period of significant challenge and change, and I look forward to listening, collaborating and building on the important work already underway as we continue to serve our communities together.”

Austin succeeds Steven Michaud who is retiring after nearly four decades of service to the association. Michaud joined MHA in 1987 and was named president in 1999.

“Healthcare is a dynamic and often turbulent field, and Steven has been a steady, guiding force throughout the many changes that have taken place here in Maine and the nation over the past few decades,” Littleson said. “Healthcare workers and all the people of Maine have benefited from his leadership, and he will be sorely missed.”