American Hospital Association Announces 2026 Next Generation Leaders Fellowship Class

Strategic Insights -

The American Hospital Association's (AHA) Next Generation Leaders Fellowship has announced its latest class of 36 fellows, including 12 Age-Friendly Fellows supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation. This class will be prepared to tackle key challenges affecting healthcare affordability, quality, and safety, representing 20 states across urban, suburban, and rural communities. The fellows will undergo a 12-month program that includes one-on-one mentorship, capstone projects, and hands-on training to develop leaders with bold perspectives and specialized skills.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2026 class of the Next Generation Leaders Fellowship consists of 36 individuals, including 12 Age-Friendly Fellows supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation.
  • The fellowship program represents 20 states across urban, suburban, and rural communities, with one U.S. territory.
  • Fellows are from various roles, including quality, medicine, operations, nursing, market intelligence, business development, and geriatrics.
  • The program includes a 12-month fellowship program with personalized mentorship, capstone projects, and hands-on training.
  • Three Fellows are from state hospital associations, and each fellow is carefully matched with a mentor for guidance and support.

Statistics:

  • The Next Generation Leaders Fellowship class of 2026 consists of 36 individuals.
  • 12 Age-Friendly Fellows are supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation.
  • 20 states are represented across urban, suburban, and rural communities.
  • 1 U.S. territory is represented in the fellowship program.

Sources:

  • American Hospital Association (AHA)
  • "Next Generation Leaders Fellowship" press release (July 29, 2025)
  • The John A. Hartford Foundation
  • About the American Hospital Association (AHA) section