New Year, New Momentum: THA’s 2026 Focus

3… 2… 1… Happy New Year from THA!

As we step into the first days of 2026, we carry forward the lessons and momentum from the hard-fought 89th Texas Legislature and our continued advocacy for essential federal funding.

With 371 days until the start of the 90th legislative session, this offseason is our opportunity to strengthen relationships, refine our strategies and build momentum for the work ahead.

As THA’s 2026 board chair, Cris Daskevich, reminds us, “Wins are really prepared for in the offseason.”

In that spirit, our senior management team is kicking off the year by sharing their resolutions and goals for the next 371 days – a roadmap for how THA plans to prepare, support members and champion Texas hospitals in the year ahead.

“Over the next year, our focus is on strengthening relationships, listening closely to hospital leaders across the state and making sure our advocacy is grounded in their real-world challenges and experiences. So much of our work as an association happens in the months between legislative sessions. When the Legislature reconvenes, we want to walk in knowing we used this time well – that we listened, stayed steady and stood with Texas hospitals every step of the way.”

John Hawkins
President/CEO

“Though 2026 is our ‘off-season,’ we know this is when the real work gets done. THA underwent a lengthy strategic planning process this past year and has developed a solid direction for the organization moving forward. I’m excited to build upon the initiatives we have been discussing internally and externally so we can hit the ground running as we approach the 90th Legislative Session.”

Amy Eskew
Senior Vice President/Chief Operating Officer

“In 2026, we will begin implementing dues structure changes approved by the THA Board, with a strong emphasis on transparency, financial stewardship and aligning our resources to support our members’ priorities.”

David Neiger
Senior Vice President/Chief Financial Officer

“For 2026, my resolution is to mobilize voices like never before. We’ll use digital innovation to blanket the state with pro-patient positions and rally the troops to tell the Texas hospital story. If we don’t define our own narrative, someone else will try to do it for us (and probably get it wrong).”

Carrie Williams
Senior Vice President/Chief Communications Officer

“In 2026, I’m focused on staying informed of legal and regulatory developments impacting the hospital industry and the THA Family of Companies, to ensure we are serving our members as best we can in terms of education and effective advocacy, and adhering to the highest standards of legal compliance and business ethics within THA.”

Steve Wohleb
Senior Vice President/General Counsel, Legal and Regulatory Compliance

“Advocacy doesn’t start when the Legislature gavels in. It’s a year-round pursuit with much of the strategy and planning taking place in the year prior to a legislative session. This year, our focus is on staying closely connected with our hospital leaders, regulatory entities, legislators and their staff to ensure policymakers understand what hospitals are dealing with in real time.”

Carrie Kroll
Senior Vice President, Advocacy and Public Policy

“In 2026, THA is focused on supporting member priorities in the domains of Artificial Intelligence, Cyber threats, and technical resilience. Our goals include strengthening member posture against cyber threats, and incorporation of emerging AI technologies and capabilities that support member strategies in the areas of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.”

Fernando Martinez
President, Texas Hospital Association Foundation/Chief Strategy Officer/Chief Digital Officer