After nearly a decade at the helm, Dr. Don Williamson will step down as president and CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association next summer, paving the way for Danne Howard to become the first woman to lead the statewide organization.

Williamson's retirement will be effective July 1, 2025, the Association's Board of Trustees announced. He has guided AlaHA since November 2015, steering Alabama's hospitals through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and championing access to quality care for underserved communities in the face of mounting financial pressures.

"Don has been a trusted leader and a tireless advocate for better health in Alabama," said Vernon Johnson, chair of the AlaHA Board of Trustees and CEO of Dale Medical Center. "His steady hand during the pandemic, his commitment to access to care and his lifetime of service have left a lasting mark on our healthcare system. We are deeply grateful for his dedication and proud to honor his extraordinary contributions."

Howard, currently deputy director and chief operating officer, will step into the top role after almost 30 years with AlaHA. She has played a vital part in shaping policy, leading operations and coordinating emergency preparedness for hospitals statewide. Her work has taken her to state and national forums as a respected advocate for Alabama's health systems.

A central Alabama native, Howard's deep ties to the Association and extensive institutional knowledge position her to guide AlaHA through a shifting healthcare landscape.

"Danne is a highly respected voice in healthcare with a long-standing track record of success," Johnson said. "Her leadership is guided by a clear sense of purpose and a deep dedication to the health and well-being of Alabamians. Danne brings the experience, insight and vision necessary to lead the Association forward in this new chapter."