Physician Hospitals of America names new executive director

Physician Hospitals of America, an advocacy organization for physician-owned hospitals, has named a new executive director and announced that it is moving its office from Sioux Falls, S.D., to Washington.

The new director is John Richardson, 41, who most recently worked as director of government relations for SmithBucklin Corp.'s healthcare practice group and was an associate to the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for former Rep. John Sununu (R-N.H.).

He replaces interim Executive Director Keri Bolte, PHA member services manager since November 2007, who had been leading the organization since Molly Sandvig resigned from the director's post last September to become chief operating officer for Rancho Mirage, Calif.-based Joint Replacement Hospitals of America. Sandvig had held the post since November 2005.

"John and his team at SmithBucklin are integral to our plans to grow our association and advocate for all our members both in Washington and in their local communities," PHA President Dr. Michael Russell said in a news release. "Not only does John bring a deep understanding of the needs of healthcare trade organizations, he can help us navigate the uncertain waters of policy and politics and the effects they will have on our members."