7/10/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT IHA
Kathleen Kirvin
518.348.7457
Iroquois Healthcare Association Appoints Kerwin President and CEO Following Nationwide Search
Seasoned Healthcare Policy Expert and Legislative Advocate
to Lead Organization Forward
[Clifton Park, NY] – [7-10-2025] – The Iroquois Healthcare Association (IHA) Board of Directors announced today that Kevin M. Kerwin, Esq., who has served as Acting President and CEO since September 2024, has been appointed President and CEO of IHA and its affiliated organizations United Iroquois Shared Services, Inc. and Caring Gene Healthcare Career Pathways, Inc. following an extensive nationwide search.
Kerwin brings decades of experience in healthcare policy, government relations, and legislative advocacy to this role. He has served IHA in various capacities since 2021, most recently as Executive Vice President and Legislative Counsel before being named Acting CEO.
“Kevin has demonstrated exceptional leadership during his tenure with IHA, and his deep understanding of healthcare policy and strategic advocacy makes him the ideal person to guide our organization forward,” said Dr. Martin Stallone, Chair of the IHA Board of Directors and CEO of Centralus Health in Ithaca. “The Board conducted a thorough nationwide search, and Kevin’s steady leadership, combined with his advocacy experience, made him the clear choice for this critical role.”
Prior to joining IHA, Kerwin served as Vice President of Public Policy at the New York State Association of Healthcare Providers, where he represented licensed home care providers. His career began as Legislative Counsel to the New York State Department of Labor, and he also served as Associate Director of Governmental Relations and Deputy General Counsel at the New York State Bar Association.
“I am honored and grateful to continue leading the Iroquois Healthcare Association. Our work supporting access to healthcare for communities in Upstate and rural New York has never been more important. We face a daunting task to advance policies that support quality healthcare delivery and address the critical workforce challenges facing our hospitals ,” said Kerwin. “IHA advocacy is vital for healthcare providers and the communities they serve. Upstate and Rural Communities depend on our member hospitals for their health and well-being as well as the economic health and well-being of their communities. I am ready for the challenges ahead to ensure our strong foundation remains in order to ensure and protect access to quality healthcare in our region.”
Kerwin’s expertise spans the healthcare policy spectrum and workforce development issues. His legislative and policy experience positions him well to navigate the complex regulatory environment facing healthcare organizations today.
As a volunteer, Kerwin is actively involved with the New York State Bar Association, where he was recently appointed to the Committee on Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies and serves on the Elder Law and Special Needs Section Legislative Committee, Health Law Section, Committee on Leadership Development, and serves as Chairperson of the Committee on Legislative Policy.
About the Iroquois Healthcare Association: IHA is a regional healthcare trade organization representing more than 50 hospitals and health systems, spanning over 28,000 square miles, across 32 counties of Upstate New York. IHA is the leading resource for facilities and professionals bringing quality health care to the region. IHA represents the unique needs of rural, small community safety-net providers to large, academic medical centers in Upstate New York’s urban areas through advocacy, education and information, cost-saving initiatives and innovative business solutions.
About United Iroquois Shared Services, Inc.: United Iroquois Shared Services (UISS) is a regional group purchasing organization representing the interests of acute, non-acute and non-healthcare facilities. UISS combines shared services and consulting activities concentrated on reducing operating costs and promoting performance improvement for more than 900 health care and non-health care members. UISS represents the for-profit division of the Iroquois Healthcare Association with more than 45 years of experience in providing cost-saving initiatives, educational opportunities, and business solutions. With an office located in Clifton Park, NY, we offer local, dedicated customer service to meet the changing needs of our members.
Through partnerships with PREMIER, Inc. and ACURITY, Inc., UISS is able to offer the most competitive, diverse portfolio of contracts through the use of tailored negotiating strategies, national flexibility, regional volume aggregation, and local empowerment. On average, UISS saves members 7% – 15% on products and services.
About The Caring Gene® Healthcare Career Pathways Training Inc.: a not-for-profit organization and an affiliate of the Iroquois Healthcare Association. It is dedicated to helping people start and grow their health, behavioral health, and social care careers in New York, providing comprehensive support to individuals who have a natural calling to care for others.