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The W. Daniel Barker CEO Leadership Award honors one of Georgia’s most distinguished hospital executives. Dan Barker served in hospital administration for more than 40 years and led Emory University Hospital Midtown (formerly Crawford Long Hospital) in Atlanta for more than 30 years before retiring in 1990. During his career, Mr. Barker also served as chair of GHA and the American Hospital Association as well as commissioner on the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Up until his passing in 2022 at the age of 96, he continuted to contribute to GHA and attended association meetings in the Atlanta area and Washington. 

This award recognizes an active Georgia hospital/health system CEO or administrator who has made outstanding contributions to Georgia's healthcare community. The award is presented annually at the GHA Summer Meeting. The 2026 meeting will be held July 8-10.

Nominations

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Please note that the hospital CEO/administrator/president and/or board chair must review and endorse this nomination and its submission to GHA. You will have the opportunity to confirm this endorsement during the submission process.

Candidate Requirements

The nominated individual has developed an innovative approach to healthcare delivery that exceeds the traditional services of community healthcare providers. This person has routinely provided meritorious service on behalf of the Georgia healthcare industry and/or GHA.