Founded Through Collaboration: Two hospital associations were established more than 80 years ago to represent the interests of hospitals and the communities they serve in the Central and Northeastern regions of New York. The Central New York Hospital Association, Inc. and the Northeastern New York Hospital Council, Inc. affiliated in March 1996 to become the Iroquois Healthcare Alliance and Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA).

Rooted In Shared Purpose: The Iroquois name was adopted to recognize the history and collaboration of the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy—a tribal alliance of Native Americans, which serves as one of the first examples of organizations working together for the betterment of all. The vast geography of the consolidated region includes Central, Northeastern, Utica-Watertown, Southern Tier, and the North Country, all of which were once part of the Iroquois territory.

The Voice Of Upstate and Rural Hospitals: Today, IHA serves as the only independent voice of Upstate New York hospitals and health systems. We represent more than 50 hospitals and health systems across 32 counties of Upstate New York, spanning over 28,000 square miles. Our membership is diverse, including rural, critical access, sole community, safety-net and public hospitals, as well as the region’s largest academic medical centers. Our broad alliance of voices has helped IHA expand its focus to patient safety, healthcare reform, and the recruitment and retention of the nation’s best healthcare workers.

In Memoriam: Gary Fitzgerald

It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Gary J. Fitzgerald, former President and CEO of the Iroquois Healthcare Association, passed away on February 20, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.

Gary’s legacy at IHA is immeasurable. He led the organization from its earliest days — beginning as CEO of the Northeastern NY Hospital Council in 1990 — through its growth into the premier healthcare advocacy organization it is today, representing more than 50 hospitals and health systems across 32 Upstate New York counties. Throughout his more than three decades of leadership, Gary was an unwavering champion for Upstate hospitals, tirelessly advocating on behalf of our members and making IHA a recognized leader in healthcare data, workforce development, and advocacy. He was also a true pioneer in Association-Shared Services and Group Purchasing, most notably through the creation of UISS, a lasting business he built that continues to deliver value to members to this day.

Gary retired at the end of 2024, and his impact on the healthcare community of Upstate and rural New York will be felt for generations to come.

Link to his obituary can be found here.

Our thoughts are with Gary’s family during this difficult time.