ELLENVILLE, N.Y. — Ellenville Regional Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Steven L. Kelley has been named chair of the board of trustees of the Healthcare Association of New York State, giving the rural hospital a leadership role in one of the state’s most influential healthcare organizations.
The Healthcare Association of New York State, known as HANYS, represents hospitals, health systems, nursing homes, home care agencies and other healthcare providers across New York. The organization advocates for policies and resources aimed at strengthening patient care and improving community health statewide.
Kelley said the appointment reflects both a personal honor and recognition of the hospital and the community it serves.
“For a hospital our size, this is an extraordinary opportunity,” Kelley said in a statement. “While this appointment is certainly a personal honor, I view it as a recognition of Ellenville Regional Hospital, our dedicated staff, and the community we proudly serve. Through this leadership role, ERH will have a direct voice in helping shape discussions and decisions affecting hospitals and healthcare systems throughout New York State. It is a testament to the reputation our organization has built and the important work being accomplished here every day.”
As board chair, Kelley will help guide HANYS’ strategic priorities and advocacy efforts through 2027. His role will include bringing the perspective of a rural Critical Access Hospital to discussions on healthcare access, workforce development, financial sustainability, quality improvement and the future of healthcare delivery across New York.
“Healthcare in rural communities faces unique challenges and opportunities,” Kelley said. “Hospitals like ERH are often more than healthcare providers. We are economic anchors, employers, and essential community resources. I look forward to ensuring that the needs and perspectives of rural New Yorkers are represented as we work to strengthen healthcare across the state.”
Kelley has served as president and CEO of Ellenville Regional Hospital since 2003 and has been a member of the HANYS Board of Trustees since 2017. According to the hospital, he has held several leadership positions within the organization before being selected as board chair.
Ellenville Regional Hospital said the appointment highlights the growing role that smaller community hospitals play in developing innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. The hospital serves residents of Ulster, Sullivan and Orange counties and operates as a nonprofit Critical Access Hospital.