Kenneth E. Raske is President of Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), which represents more than 160 not‑for‑profit hospitals and health systems, both voluntary and public, in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. An expert on health care policy and finance, Mr. Raske plays a key role in shaping the health care delivery system and has helped guide GNYHA’s hospital and continuing care members through dramatic changes in the health care marketplace.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Raske coordinated GNYHA’s major role in helping the hospital community respond, including expanding their patient surge capacity, acquiring essential supplies and equipment, securing Federal funding to offset huge COVID-19-related financial losses, and securing legal and regulatory protections for frontline health care workers. He also coordinated GNYHA’s role in helping member hospitals distribute the COVID-19 vaccine.

GNYHA has long played a critical role at the New York State level, opposing health care funding cutbacks and advocating for the passage of legislation that protects hospital funding, expands health insurance coverage, and recruits and retains a qualified health care workforce.

On the Federal front, GNYHA has been a leading advocate against Medicare cuts—particularly to teaching hospitals—and a strong advocate for fair payment practices by private insurers. Mr. Raske also helped GNYHA member hospitals navigate the complexities of health care reform and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He and GNYHA have fiercely opposed multiple efforts to repeal and replace the ACA.

Under Mr. Raske’s leadership, GNYHA has developed expertise in the areas of government affairs, health finance, managed care, long term care, emergency preparedness, and numerous legal, regulatory, and professional affairs including workforce shortages and quality/patient safety.

Mr. Raske has also played a major role in the evolution and success of the Healthcare Education Project (HEP), a joint labor-management initiative of GNYHA and 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. In New York and nationally, HEP has conducted comprehensive campaigns to educate the public and elected officials about the importance of protecting and strengthening the health care delivery system.

Mr. Raske is a frequent lecturer and commentator on health care topics. Before becoming GNYHA’s President in 1984, he held positions as Senior Vice President and Deputy Director at the Michigan Hospital Association, Study Director at the American Hospital Association, and Research Associate at the American Medical Association.