Indiana Hospital Association Names Dr. Jim Callaghan 2026 Board Chair

January 13, 2025 (INDIANAPOLIS)— The Indiana Hospital Association (IHA) has named Jim Callaghan, M.D., its board chair for 2026. Callaghan serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO) of Franciscan Alliance, Inc., a not-for-profit organization operating 12 hospitals in Indiana and South Suburban Chicago.

Dr. Callaghan becomes the first physician to serve as IHA board chair in 80 years. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

“Jim is a highly respected health care leader who has dedicated his career to improving the health of Hoosiers through decades of experience in both hospital administration and clinical practice,” said IHA President Scott B. Tittle, JD. “I look forward to working alongside Jim to help Indiana hospitals navigate the many challenges facing our industry in this critical year.”

As IHA board chair, Callaghan will oversee board meetings and play an active role in setting the priorities and goals for the association, which is made up of more than 160 acute care, critical access, behavioral health, and other specialized hospitals in Indiana.

“It is an honor to serve as board chair to represent our employees and physicians who strive toprovide excellent care in their respective communities,” said Callaghan. “Our citizens depend on our hospitals and health systems to provide high quality, affordable care from rural to urban communities. IHA will continue to work with legislative leaders, Gov. Braun’s administration, employers and community leaders to optimize quality, access and affordability while innovating in our ability to provide care for Medicaid beneficiaries.”

Callaghan has been with Franciscan for over 25 years and served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force.

He remains an active community leader as a board member of the 500 Festival and the Northern Indiana Education Foundation. Previously, he was a board member of the United Way of LaPorte County and the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce; served on the Senator Richard Lugar U.S. Air Force Academy Merit Selection Board and the University of Notre Dame Alumni Club of LaPorte County; and coached multiple Michigan City Soccer Club youth league teams.