NCHL is widely recognized as the premier source for evidence-based healthcare leadership practices, cultivating communities for peer collaboration across organizations, and collectively developing industry models and benchmarks to improve healthcare.
To convene diverse healthcare leaders to co-create innovative, evidence-based tools and insights so that we enhance their individual and collective ability to transform and serve.
NCHL and its premier programs provide year-round educational opportunities to our members so they may grow their business and reach their objectives. These include:
The Leadership Excellence Networks (LENS) is a national community of senior leaders from U.S. hospitals, health systems, and academic universities. Members engage through councils, Learning Labs, high-trust peer exchange, and the annual Leadership Excellence Summit. LENS also delivers benchmarking and shared tools grounded in a validated healthcare leadership competency model to strengthen leadership and organizational outcomes.
The National Council on Administrative Fellowships (NCAF) is a national consortium of fellowship sites and graduate health management programs working together to strengthen early-career development for the next generation of healthcare leaders. NCAF sets the industry standard for administrative fellowship recruitment.
The U.S. Cooperative for International Patient Programs (USCIPP) is a national consortium of leading US academic medical centers and health systems advancing international patient care and global healthcare partnerships. USCIPP convenes senior leaders responsible for international programs to collaborate on benchmarking, market intelligence, operational excellence, and global engagement. Through peer-driven learning and industry research, USCIPP strengthens the global competitiveness and strategic impact of US hospitals worldwide.
NCHL Corporate Membership bridges industry and healthcare leadership—creating a platform for trusted partners to engage, inform, and shape the future of the field. By connecting corporate expertise with executive leaders across NCHL’s national networks, it drives innovation, insight, and system-wide impact.
NCHL engages in research in healthcare leadership, organizational development, and international healthcare for its program members. Additionally, NCHL has a number of industrywide benchmarking data collection initiatives to help members make critical business decisions.
NCHL offers a variety of virtual learned opportunities including our 2022 Coffee Chat Series, Informational Sessions on our Programs, International Business Development events, and more. Learn more at: https://www.nchl.org/events/engagedlearning/
NCHL recognizes individuals and organizations for contributing to the healthcare field through its leadership award programs. These include:
NCHL’s Gail L. Warden Leadership Excellence Award
NCHL’s International Healthcare Leadership Award
In 2026, both awards are presented to the recipients on November 17, 2026 at NCHL’s Gail L. Warden Leadership Excellence Award Celebration