SHSMD announces 2026 advisory board members: Shaping Healthcare’s Future

Data & Evidence

On October 21, the Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD) made a significant announcement. The organization proudly unveiled its SHSMD announces 2026 advisory board members, a move poised to shape the future of healthcare strategy. Dennis S. Jolley has been appointed President of the SHSMD Advisory Board for 2026, bringing extensive experience to the role. Dorian L. Harriston will serve as President-Elect for the 2026 SHSMD Advisory Board, preparing to assume leadership in due course. These appointments underscore SHSMD’s commitment to strong, data-informed leadership.

Leading with Data-Driven Strategic Vision

Mr. Jolley’s current role provides a strong foundation for his new presidency. He serves as System Vice President of Strategy and Planning at UW Health, based in Wisconsin. This position involves navigating complex healthcare landscapes and developing long-term institutional goals. Strategic planning in a large health system inherently demands rigorous data analysis. Decisions on resource allocation, market expansion, and service line development rely heavily on robust quantitative and qualitative evidence.

His leadership is critical for SHSMD, especially in an era of rapid healthcare evolution. Mr. Jolley’s ability to translate complex data into actionable strategies will significantly benefit SHSMD members. His insights will guide discussions on how healthcare organizations can best adapt and thrive. This focus ensures SHSMD continues to deliver relevant and forward-thinking content. Such strategic appointments often resonate throughout the industry, similar to when distinguished faculty are elected to national academies for their profound contributions.

Cultivating Evidence-Based Marketing and Communications

Dorian L. Harriston’s appointment as President-Elect also brings crucial expertise to the SHSMD Advisory Board. He currently holds the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at the Morehouse School of Medicine, located in Atlanta. In this capacity, Mr. Harriston manages the institution’s public image and outreach efforts. Effective healthcare marketing and communications are increasingly reliant on demonstrable evidence.

Data informs every aspect, from audience segmentation to message testing and campaign performance measurement. His leadership will emphasize the importance of ethical, transparent, and evidence-based communication strategies. This perspective is vital for SHSMD members. They need to connect with diverse communities and stakeholders effectively. Mr. Harriston’s approach will help members build trust and demonstrate value through their communications. His work contributes to the vital mission of advancing health for all through dedicated leadership and clear communication.

Bolstering SHSMD’s Foundational Principles

The collective strength of these appointments significantly reinforces SHSMD’s mission. Both Mr. Jolley and Mr. Harriston come from highly respected healthcare institutions. Their diverse leadership backgrounds—one in strategy and planning, the other in marketing and communications—create a powerful synergy. The SHSMD Advisory Board is tasked with guiding the organization. It must ensure that its programs and resources meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals.

These leaders will champion the integration of data and evidence across all strategic and communication initiatives. This ensures that SHSMD members receive guidance that is both innovative and empirically sound. The expertise they bring will elevate the quality of insights and best practices shared with the SHSMD community. This commitment to robust, evidence-based leadership is a cornerstone of SHSMD’s future. The entire organization, including its members, will benefit from their strategic direction.

The Advisory Board’s Mandate: Leveraging Expertise

The SHSMD Advisory Board plays a crucial role in the organization’s governance and thought leadership. Its members provide strategic counsel, identify emerging trends, and advocate for the profession. With Mr. Jolley and Mr. Harriston at the helm, the 2026 Advisory Board is exceptionally positioned. They will drive initiatives that emphasize data-driven decision-making and evidence-based practice. This forward-looking approach ensures that SHSMD remains at the forefront of healthcare strategy and market development.

The official announcement on October 21 highlights SHSMD’s proactive stance. It demonstrates a clear vision for its future leadership. These appointments reflect a deep understanding of the qualities needed to navigate today’s complex healthcare environment. The SHSMD announces 2026 advisory board members with a commitment to empowering its community. They will receive the highest caliber of leadership and strategic guidance.

Content Focus: SHSMD Announces 2026 Advisory Board Members

The American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD) has formally announced the appointments for its 2026 Advisory Board. This new board is tasked with providing strategic leadership across critical areas. These areas include healthcare strategy, planning, marketing, and communications. The selected individuals bring diverse expertise from significant institutions, ensuring a robust and forward-thinking approach to healthcare challenges.

The careful selection of these members underscores SHSMD’s commitment to advancing the healthcare landscape. Their collective experience will guide the society’s initiatives and provide valuable insights for its members. This strategic assembly of leaders is crucial for navigating the evolving complexities of modern healthcare delivery. It sets a clear direction for innovation and effective engagement within the industry.

Driving Strategic Leadership and Diverse Expertise

The 2026 SHSMD Advisory Board’s primary mandate involves directing strategic leadership. This encompasses developing and refining strategies that enhance healthcare systems’ effectiveness and reach. Members will leverage their extensive backgrounds in planning to foresee future trends and prepare the industry for upcoming shifts.

Furthermore, their expertise extends to marketing and communications, vital components for successful patient engagement and public health messaging. The board’s composition ensures a holistic perspective, addressing both the operational and public-facing aspects of healthcare. This diverse skill set is invaluable for crafting comprehensive and impactful strategies that resonate across the sector.

The inclusion of various professionals from different institutions guarantees a wide array of viewpoints. This prevents narrow thinking and promotes innovative solutions to shared industry problems. SHSMD benefits greatly from such varied input, particularly when addressing complex issues requiring multidisciplinary insights. The board’s role is not just advisory, but also instrumental in shaping the future dialogue around healthcare advancements.

Impact of Key Appointments from Leading Institutions

Significant institutions are well-represented on the new advisory board, bringing a wealth of practical experience. Among the prominent additions is leadership from UW Health, a major health system. Individuals from such systems offer firsthand knowledge of large-scale healthcare operations, patient care delivery, and system-wide strategic implementation. Their insights are crucial for understanding the practical implications of new policies and innovations.

Another key appointment includes expertise from the Morehouse School of Medicine, a prominent medical school. Leaders from academic institutions contribute vital perspectives on medical education, research, and community health. Their involvement helps bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical application in healthcare settings. This blend of health system and academic leadership enriches the board’s capacity for comprehensive problem-solving.

The presence of leaders from both a major health system and a leading medical school ensures a balanced and informed approach. This combination allows the board to consider both the immediate operational needs and the long-term educational and research imperatives of healthcare. Such diverse representation is essential for shaping an advisory board capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the industry.

The Role of the American Hospital Association’s SHSMD

The formal announcement of these appointments by the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Society for Health Care Strategy & Market Development (SHSMD) highlights the organization’s central role. SHSMD serves as a vital resource for healthcare strategists, marketers, planners, and communicators. It provides education, networking opportunities, and thought leadership to its members, driving professional development across the field.

By establishing such a high-caliber advisory board, SHSMD reaffirms its commitment to excellence and innovation. The board members are expected to contribute to the society’s strategic initiatives, guiding its programs and publications. This ensures that SHSMD remains at the forefront of healthcare advancements, offering relevant and timely support to its community.

The involvement of the AHA further solidifies the significance of these appointments. The AHA is a national organization representing nearly 5,000 hospitals and other healthcare providers. Its oversight ensures that the SHSMD advisory board’s efforts align with broader national healthcare goals and challenges. This alignment is critical for maximizing the impact of the board’s strategic recommendations and for advancing health for all.

The collective wisdom and diverse backgrounds of the 2026 SHSMD Advisory Board members are poised to make a substantial contribution. Their guidance will empower healthcare professionals to adapt to new environments and foster better patient outcomes. These leaders, often recognized for their achievements in their respective fields, bring an unparalleled level of insight. For example, some may have backgrounds similar to faculty elected to national academies, representing the pinnacle of expertise.