Ohio Hospital Association president to retire at end of year

The long-serving president of the Ohio Hospital Association is planning to retire at the end of the year.

James Castle has led the OHA since 1989. Executive recruitment firm Korn/Ferry International will help the OHA search for Castle’s successor, according to a statement from the hospital group.

“Under Jim Castle’s leadership, the Ohio Hospital Association has led the nation in its commitment to patient safety and quality care,” U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat, said in the statement.

In state budget talks, the OHA recently secured the preservation of a franchise fee designed to help the state draw in more matching federal dollars for Medicaid, which was a top priority for the organization.

The OHA represents 166 hospitals and 16 health systems in the state.