Left to right: Dan Keenan, JD, vice president, government relations and advocacy, Trinity Health Of New England; Karen Buckley, vice president, advocacy, Connecticut Hospital Association; D. Montez Carter, PharmD, FACHE, president and CEO, Trinity Health Of New England
HARTFORD — The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) is proud to honor Dan Keenan, JD, vice president, government relations and advocacy, Trinity Health Of New England, with Connecticut’s American Hospital Association (AHA) Grassroots Champion Award.
Keenan is recognized alongside advocacy leaders from across the country who most effectively educate elected officials on major issues affecting their hospital or health system’s vital role in the community; have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for their hospital or health system; and tirelessly advocate for their hospital or health system and its patients.
“Dan exemplifies the very best of healthcare advocacy in Connecticut,” said Karen Buckley, vice president of advocacy, CHA. “His dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our communities have made him an invaluable advocate and powerful voice for hospitals and patients alike. We’re proud to recognize him with this prestigious award.”
“We are proud to recognize Dan as this year’s AHA Connecticut Grassroots Champion. He is an invaluable member of our team whose deep knowledge and passion for public policy and healthcare advocacy extend far beyond our organization,” said Montez Carter, PharmD, FACHE, President and CEO, Trinity Health Of New England. “Dan is unwavering in his focus on the issues that truly matter — fair payment, improved access to care, high-value and affordable healthcare, and the overall health of the communities we serve.”
The award recognizes one hospital or health system leader from an AHA member institution in each state for their work cultivating relationships with lawmakers and their staff, then effectively leveraging those relationships to advocate on behalf of patients, hospitals, and their communities.
Keenan is a respected presence at the state Capitol, having built strong relationships with state legislators and officials to promote policies that enhance healthcare access, affordability, and equity. His efforts have elevated the voices of patients and healthcare workers in support of legislation and laws that help advance and sustain high-quality care across the state. He also continues to champion protections for patients, healthcare workers, and hospitals from harmful federal actions, including by working collaboratively with state lawmakers and Connecticut’s congressional delegation.
The award is presented in partnership with AHA.
