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.”

​Littleson brings four decades of healthcare leadership to the role, having served in executive positions at hospitals and health systems across the East Coast. Littleson has been CEO of Central Maine Healthcare since 2021. Before joining CMHC, he held the position of Chief Integration and Operating Officer at Lancaster General Health in Pennsylvania.

“Steve’s deep understanding of the healthcare landscape and his proven leadership at the helm of Central Maine Healthcare make him exceptionally well-suited to guide the MHA Board during this pivotal time,” said Steven Michaud, President of the Maine Hospital Association.  “We look forward to his leadership as we continue to advance the mission of hospitals throughout Maine.”

Littleson holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Gettysburg College, a master of health administration from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University, and a doctorate in business administration from Walden University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).

Littleson succeeds outgoing Board Chair Chrissi Maguire, President and CEO of Mount Desert Island Hospital. Nate Howell, CEO of MaineGeneral Medical Center, is the MHA Board Chair-elect; Patrick Taylor, MD, CEO of York Hospital, is the new treasurer; and Randy Clark, President of Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital, is the new board secretary.

The at-large board members are Steve Diaz, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, MaineGeneral Health; Stephany Jacques, R.N., President, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital; Greg LaFrancois, President, St. Joseph Hospital; Andy Mueller, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, MaineHealth; Andrea Patstone, Coastal Regional President MaineHealth; Bob Peterson, D.Sc., Chief Executive Officer, Millinocket Regional Hospital; Charlie Therrien, President, Northern Light Mercy Hospital; and Marie Vienneau, President, Northern Light C.A. Dean Hospital and Northern Light Mayo Hospital.

The new board officially assumes its duties July 1.

​The award, presented June 18 during MHA’s Summer Forum Conference at the Samoset Resort, honors a healthcare professional who demonstrates extraordinary compassion, clinical excellence, and dedication to patients and their communities.
 
Dr. Cole was selected not only for her clinical excellence but also for her deeply compassionate approach to patient care.  Known across the hospital as calm, responsive, and exceptionally kind, Cole has earned a reputation among staff and patients alike for her quiet but powerful presence.
 
“Dr. Cole embodies everything this award stands for,” said Steven Michaud, president of the Maine Hospital Association.  “Her empathy, professionalism, and commitment to care go far beyond the operating room.  She brings comfort and clarity to patients in their most vulnerable moments.”
 
Her nomination highlighted numerous examples of Dr. Cole’s compassion.  In one instance, Cole met with the family of a medically fragile patient.  And, despite not being the treating physician, calmly listened to their frustration and offered empathy and support.  In another, she stayed with a couple devastated by a cancer diagnosis, waiting until their son arrived so they could hear the news together, answering questions with grace and patience.
 
Dr. Cole also received praise from a first-time surgical patient, who wrote a heartfelt thank-you letter after their hospital stay.  The patient described how Dr. Cole’s clear communication, attentiveness, and visible commitment to her profession alleviated their fears and made them feel truly cared for.
 
Colleagues say Dr. Cole’s influence elevates everyone around her.  “Dr. Cole sets the bar high for herself, of course. But also, for those of us who have the pleasure of working on the same team,” said one Mercy staff member.
 
The Caregiver of the Year award is the Maine Hospital Association’s highest honor, given annually to recognize exceptional care providers in the state’s hospital community.