SACRAMENTO (February 5, 2026) — California Hospital Association President & CEO Carmela Coyle today announced her plans to retire in early 2027, after a 44-year career in health care policy and advocacy.
Coyle joined CHA as President & CEO in 2017. She previously served as President & CEO of the Maryland Hospital Association for nine years. Coyle also spent 20 years with the American Hospital Association — 15 in Washington, D.C. — concluding as a member of its Executive Management team leading policy development for the nation’s hospitals, along with six years in D.C. earlier in her career with the Congressional Budget Office.
During her time at CHA, Coyle led California’s hospitals through unprecedented challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, expansive and growing economic instability for hospitals, and the most progressive and aggressive work to control what hospitals spend to care for patients. A hallmark of her tenure was her work to build broad coalitions, including those to advance behavioral health care and health insurance coverage for all.
“Carmela’s strong leadership, steady hand, and deep policy and political acumen have helped ensure that hospitals can continue providing the care millions of Californians rely on, despite the many challenges facing hospitals today,” said Julie Sprengel, President and CEO of CommonSpirit Health’s California region and Chair of the CHA Board of Trustees. “On behalf of the board and hospital leaders across California, we are deeply grateful for the unparalleled commitment she has shown during her nearly 10 years leading CHA. Her energy, conviction, and unwavering belief in the vital role hospitals play in our state will be missed.”
CHA’s Board of Trustees will conduct a national search for the organization’s next President & CEO, having selected WittKieffer to assist. Coyle will continue in all aspects of her role until a successor has been brought on board and will ensure continuity by supporting the transition.
The California Hospital Association, representing nearly 400 hospitals throughout California, advocates for better, more accessible health care for all. CHA ensures that hospitals are able to provide exceptional care to patients and comprehensive health services to communities. Established in 1935, CHA provides information, resources, and perspective to state and federal policymakers to inform the decisions they make that affect 40 million Californians.