About NAHSE
Our History
Nearly a century of Black health executives building a path for the leaders who follow.
Chapter One
Where It All Started
NAHSE places its origin as far back as the early 1930’s, when a group of black health executives formed what was then called the National Hospital Association (NHA), an affiliate of the National Medical Association (NMA). In 1936, a meeting of all “Negro hospital executives” was called and held at Lincoln Hospital in Durham, NC. At that meeting, the NHA was renamed the National Conference of Hospital Administration (NCHA). Dr. Albert W. Dent was named Chairman and Mr. John Procope was named Secretary-Treasurer. After several changes in leadership, the Conference’s activities were limited to one informal meeting held in conjunction with the annual AHA meeting. In 1968, NAHSE was formed and Mr. Everett V. Fox was named the first President.
The road to NAHSE
-
Early 1930s01 · The beginning
A group of Black health executives forms the National Hospital Association (NHA), an affiliate of the National Medical Association (NMA).
-
193602 · Durham, North Carolina
A meeting at Lincoln Hospital renames the NHA the National Conference of Hospital Administration (NCHA). Dr. Albert W. Dent is named Chairman and Mr. John Procope, Secretary-Treasurer.
-
The years between03 · Holding the line
After several changes in leadership, the Conference meets once a year, informally, alongside the annual AHA meeting.
-
196804 · NAHSE is born
The National Association of Health Services Executives is formed, and Mr. Everett V. Fox is named its first President.
-
Today05 · A living legacy
NAHSE sponsors local and national programs that improve quality, access and availability of health services, and celebrates its heritage each year at the National Educational Conference.
The Mission Continues
A proud heritage
1936
First national meeting, Durham, NC
1968
NAHSE formed
41st
Annual Educational Conference in 2026
Since its inception, NAHSE has sponsored and participated in local and national programs designed to improve quality, access, and availability of health services and to expand educational opportunities in the field of health services administration. NAHSE has a proud heritage, one we celebrate each and every year at our National Educational Conference.
