Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation President and CEO Michael Osso Named Chair of the NHC Board of Directors for 2026
Contact FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jennifer Schleman
jschleman@nhcouncil.org
(WASHINGTON, DC, December 9, 2025) The National Health Council (NHC) today elected the officers and members of the 2026 Board of Directors. Michael Osso, President and Chief Executive Officer, Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, will continue to serve as the Chair of the NHC Board of Directors for 2026 after filling a late-term vacancy due to the departure of previous chair Schroeder Stribling, formerly of Mental Health America. Other members of the Board’s Executive Committee are: Chair Elect Charles Henderson, Chief Executive Officer, American Diabetes Association; Vice Chair Calaneet Balas, CEO and President, The ALS Association; Secretary Kathryn Schubert, President & Chief Executive Officer, Society for Women’s Health Research; Treasurer Kenneth Mendez, President and Chief Executive Officer, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; and Immediate Past Chair Jeff Todd, President & Chief Executive Officer, Prevent Blindness.
“Michael Osso is well suited to lead the National Health Council Board of Directors through what has proven to be a challenging time for the patient community,” said Randall Rutta, the NHC’s Chief Executive Officer. “Michael’s commitment to advocacy, affordability, and innovation will propel the NHC’s efforts to address the priorities and needs of people with chronic conditions and their family caregivers.”
Two new members were elected to join the NHC Board of Directors for three-year terms: Dr. Jean Wright, Chief Executive Officer, COPD Foundation; and Dr. Veronica Vital, President, National Association of Hispanic Nurses.
They join current board members who were re-elected to two-year terms: Daniel Gillison, President and CEO, NAMI; and Dr. Eric Racine, VP and Head of U.S. Public Affairs and Patient Advocacy, Sanofi; and current board members re-elected to three-year terms: Jorey Berry, President and CEO, The Immune Deficiency Foundation; Lisa Butler, President and CEO, GBS|CIDP Foundation International; Leah Howard, President and CEO, National Psoriasis Foundation; and Dr. Devin Jopp, President and CEO, APIC.
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The National Health Council (NHC) brings diverse organizations together to forge consensus and drive patient-centered health policy. The NHC promotes increased access to affordable, high-value, equitable, and sustainable health care. Made up of nearly 200 national health-related organizations and businesses, the NHC’s core membership includes the nation’s leading patient organizations. Other members include health-related associations and nonprofit organizations including the provider, research, and family caregiver communities; and businesses representing biopharmaceuticals, devices, diagnostics, generic drugs, and payers. Learn more at: https://www.nationalhealthcouncil.org