Mass. hospitals group forces chief to resign

Massachusetts Hospital Association president Ronald M. Hollander was forced to resign yesterday by the association's board of directors, who voted unanimously for his removal after giving voice to longstanding complaints about the association's perceived weaknesses on Beacon Hill, said board members who were in attendance .

Hollander has been president of the state's major hospital lobbying and policy group for more than 11 years. He confirmed he is leaving last night but declined to discuss the circumstances of his departure .

"I've had a terrific run," Hollander said. "We've had terrific results, and I think the board is pleased with the results of what we have delivered."

Hollander, who makes about $500,000 a year, was not present for the vote , which took place at the hospital association's offices in Burlington, said board members who were there. Board chairman Daniel Moen , president of Heywood Hospital in Gardner , declined to discuss the circumstances surrounding the resignation.

"Ron Hollander has chosen to resign from the Massachusetts Hospital Association. The board is looking to take MHA in another direction. We thank Ron for his service, which has been very productive, and we are looking forward to supporting him as he transitions to some other role," Moen said.

The association recently posted a long list of 2006 accomplishments on its website, including a list of letters it wrote to state legislators as part of its efforts to shape the state's landmark healthcare reform law to extend universal coverage to the state's residents. But board members said that while Hollander and his staff may have been working hard, the association was not influential at crucial times during the debate.

"Hospitals haven't had adequate advocacy on the hill," said a board member who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the board's action. "Many people feel like the hospitals haven't been at the table for major decisions for healthcare reform."

Board members were dismayed that Partners HealthCare chairman Jack Connors brokered deals with legislative leaders to win passage of healthcare, but that the state's key hospital association was not present, the board member said.

Another board member said Hollander had been urged to improve the association's performance in the past. "Some of these issues have been discussed for some time with Ron. A new legislative session is opening up, a new administration is in place, and people just thought it was time to make that change."

Christopher Rowland can be reached at crowland@globe.com.