SACRAMENTO (Sept. 18, 2026) — The California Hospital Association (CHA) today announced the appointment of Bryan Bucklew, FACHE, as its next President & Chief Executive Officer.
Bucklew, who has served as President & CEO of Hospital Council – Northern & Central California since 2018, will assume leadership of one of the largest hospital and health care system membership organizations in the nation, representing nearly 400 member hospitals, health systems, networks and other providers of care.
“We are delighted to welcome Bryan as CHA’s next President & CEO,” said Julie Sprengel, President and CEO of CommonSpirit Health’s California Region, and CHA Board Chair. “Bryan brings more than 20 years of hospital association experience, having served hospitals in Ohio and California. He has deep knowledge of our members, a strong understanding of the issues facing California hospitals, and the policy depth and political acumen to lead through today’s challenges and into the future. Hospitals are part of the very fabric of California and have never been at greater risk. With Bryan at the helm, we will be immediately ready to generate even greater momentum, accelerate hospitals’ advocacy efforts, and steer our field toward better health care for all Californians.”
Sprengel thanked and praised retiring CHA President & CEO Carmela Coyle. “Carmela has served California hospitals admirably and effectively for nearly a decade,” Sprengel said. “On behalf of the entire field, we’re proud of all she has accomplished for hospitals and for health care in California.”
Bucklew will assume leadership of CHA on Oct. 26.
As head of Hospital Council – Northern & Central California, Bucklew for the last eight years was the lead advocate for nearly half of California hospitals before municipal and county policymakers, including work with mayors, city councils, and county boards of supervisors in 50 of California’s 58 counties. Before that, Bucklew led the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association, playing a similar leadership role.
“I am grateful for the trust the CHA Board has placed in me and look forward to working with state and federal policymakers to build an environment where Californians can rely on the care hospitals provide,” Bucklew said. “California’s hospitals have always been at their best when they lead, innovate, and solve difficult problems. That is exactly what this moment demands as we work together to ensure high-quality care is more accessible and affordable, strengthens the health of our communities, and builds a health care system that serves every Californian.”
Bucklew holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Wright State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Dayton.