Another election year brings even greater scrutiny on the nation's hospitals and health systems. Candidates invariably focus on healthcare—offering widely divergent opinions on an issue of deep personal interest to American families.

Outside the political arena—and regardless of the election outcome—hospitals and systems are transforming the ways in which this country delivers and pays for care. Behind the scenes, healthcare trustees work tirelessly to guide their organizations through major shifts in delivery and payment models.

Today's governing boards are well-versed in complex issues such as the development of accountable care organizations, acquisition of physician practices and integrating technology to improve patient care. Trustees help steer their organizations through industry consolidation, ongoing resource constraints, increased demand for services and a dearth of talented leaders ready to step in for a generation of retiring executives.

Witt/Kieffer is proud to partner with Modern Healthcare to support the Trustee of the Year program for the 10th consecutive year. The 2012 winners join trustees nationwide who volunteer their time, knowledge and experience to improve the quality of life in their communities. From advancing innovation in patient care to strengthening succession planning strategies, trustees like this year's award winners are determined to uphold the mission and vision of their hospitals and systems. Reading about their contributions drives home the commitment these individuals bring to the future of their organizations.

As you exercise your right to vote in this year's election, I urge you to reach out to a healthcare trustee to extend your vote of thanks for extraordinary voluntary contributions to improving the health of Americans nationwide.

Charles W.B. Wardell III
President and CEO
Witt/Kieffer
Oak Brook, Ill.