Creighton University and the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Foundation have renewed their collaboration to launch a second cohort of the Healthcare Leadership Academy on March 13. This strategic partnership and program are designed for individuals eager to shape the future of the healthcare industry.
Healthcare administrators and clinical leaders of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association (AzHHA) member hospitals, along with faculty members from the Creighton University School of Medicine and Heider College of Business, will take part in this innovative initiative, empowered by the programming to ascend to higher levels of organizational leadership.
The academy’s training programs provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and lead successfully in the dynamic and evolving field of healthcare administration and management.
“Strengthening and developing hospital leadership is a critical investment in the future of healthcare in Arizona,” says Ann-Marie Alameddin, president and CEO of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, the parent organization of the AzHHA Foundation. “By supporting hospital leaders with the skills and strategic vision needed for executive leadership, we are ensuring hospitals have the leadership they need to remain resilient, innovative and patient-focused.
“We are thrilled to partner with Creighton University, renowned for its distinguished curriculum and faculty, to continue advancing the next generation of healthcare leaders who put ‘care of the whole person’ at the center of what they do.”
Gayla Stoner, PhD, dean of the Creighton University College of Professional and Continuing Education, shares the excitement: “It’s an honor to partner again with the AzHHA Foundation for the second Healthcare Leadership Academy cohort. Building on the success of the inaugural program, we look forward to fostering another dynamic learning experience."
The academy’s curriculum features a blend of virtual synchronous learning and self-paced modules, including immersive experiences such as the “Friday Night at the ER – Systems Thinking Simulation.” Participants will explore crucial topics including healthcare strategy, quality improvement, health law, finance and human resources management.
AzHHA will feature impact stories from Healthcare Leadership Academy participants; participants like Kathleen Williams, chief financial officer, Mt. Graham Regional Medical.
“The curriculum offered actionable insights into fostering collaboration, driving innovation and managing change effectively—all critical skills for today’s healthcare leaders. The focus on real-world application, access to industry thought leaders and a network of peers was invaluable. Since completing the academy, I have applied the knowledge gained to enhance cross-departmental communication and implement more effective strategies for financial decision-making,” says Williams.
“I highly recommend this program to healthcare leaders at all levels looking to elevate their impact and drive meaningful change in their organizations.”
The Healthcare Leadership Academy is a nine-month program running from March to November 2025, blending in-person sessions with virtual learning. Tailored for busy professionals, the program welcomes participants from all educational backgrounds, though a bachelor’s degree is required for those seeking graduate credit.