Peter D. Banko Elected to American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board

Springfield, MASS. — Peter D. Banko, President & CEO of Baystate Health, a $3.4B integrated delivery network of hospitals, physician practices, health plan and more in Western Massachusetts, has been elected as an at-large delegate to the American Hospital Association (AHA) Regional Policy Board 1 (RPB 1). In this role, Banko will contribute his extensive experience leading integrated health systems, advancing access to high-quality care, and strengthening the health care workforce in support of AHA’s mission. His term runs through December 31, 2028.

The AHA convenes nine Regional Policy Boards nationwide, each meeting three times per year to discuss critical policy issues, develop recommendations, and provide analysis to inform the AHA Board of Trustees during policy deliberations. The AHA is the national organization that represents and serves all types of hospitals, health care networks and their patients and communities. Nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care, and 43,000 individual members are part of the AHA.

“Serving on AHA’s Regional Policy Board is an honor,” Banko said. “I am proud to represent Baystate Health and the communities we serve, and to bring our region’s perspective to national conversations shaping the future of health care. Together, we have an opportunity to advance policies that strengthen care delivery, support caregivers, and improve health for all.”

As President & CEO, Banko is guiding Baystate Health through a period of transformation to enhance operational processes, systems and approaches; aggressively pursue growth consistent with Baystate Health 2030; and build long-term financial resilience to make an even greater economic and health care impact in its region. Over the past year, Baystate Health has stabilized its financial performance, enabling continued investment in its people, technology, and the care provided to patients and communities.

Prior to joining Baystate Health in June 2024, Banko served as President & CEO of Centura Health across Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. He also spent 17 years with Catholic Health Initiatives as Senior Vice President of Southeast Operations and National Chief Integration Officer and served as President and CEO of St. Vincent in Little Rock, Arkansas. Earlier senior leadership roles include CHRISTUS Spohn Health System in Corpus Christi, Texas; PhyAmerica Physician Group in Durham, North Carolina; and Saint Clare’s Health Services in Denville, New Jersey.

Banko holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in health administration from Cornell University.