Contact: Kerri Scriven

Director Support Services

Phone: 301-250-8665

Email address: kscriven@healthcare-council.org

[CALVERTON, MD] - The Healthcare Council/ShareSource today announced that Les Pitton has notified the Board of Directors of his intention to retire as President & Chief Executive Officer, effective December 31, 2025.

Pitton has successfully led The Healthcare Council/ShareSource as President & CEO since April 2012. Under his leadership, the organization has achieved significant milestones, including:

• Expanding membership from 13 member organizations to over 75.
• Growing quarterly divisional group meetings from zero to 17.
• Launching the Annual Employee of the Year Awards Luncheon in 2012.
• Establishing the Annual Fall Leadership Conference with Premier in 2013.
• Partnering with Yankee Alliance in 2013.
• Coordinating Maryland and DC hospitals in the successful challenge of a local electric company to reduce proposed increases in energy distribution rates.  
• Acquiring Adventist HealthCare’s Premier Affiliate Program in 2014.
• Assisting hospitals during COVID and the global shortage of PPE to find distributors for gowns, gloves, surgical masks, goggles, and face shields at competitive rates.
• Hosting the 75th Anniversary Gala on May 11, 2022.
• Launching the Omega Logan Silva Scholarship in 2022.
• Initiating an annual mentor/mentee program in 2023.
• Acquiring the Purchasing Connections Premier Affiliate Program in 2024.

Reflecting on his decision to retire, Pitton stated, “As I approach my 80th birthday in 2026, I feel the time is right to transition the organization to new leadership. Serving as President & CEO for the past 13 years has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my 57-year professional career. My deep belief in servant leadership has guided me throughout this journey, and the unwavering support of The Healthcare Council/ShareSource Board of Directors and our incredibly talented employees has been instrumental in navigating growth while continuing to serve our members and clients.”

Pitton added, “The Healthcare Council/ShareSource Board’s thoughtful and disciplined approach to succession planning will ensure a smooth transition. A succession planning committee of the Board is already in place, and I will work closely with them to identify the next President & CEO.”

Chairperson Rolf Haarstad remarked, “Les’ tenure as President & CEO has marked a period of tremendous growth in membership, revenue, reserve funds, and member offerings. I am grateful for his leadership and dedication to the organization. His collaboration with the succession planning committee will help ensure a seamless transition, and I am confident that we will continue to build on the strong foundation he has established.”

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The Healthcare Council, an association of healthcare providers, schools, and health-related institutions, was founded in 1946 by the Presidents of the Boards of Directors and the Administrators of the hospitals in the District of Columbia, Arlington County and Alexandria County in Virginia and Montgomery County and Prince George’s County in Maryland. They convened at Children’s Hospital to organize a Hospital Council with the general purpose of promoting intelligent planning, facilitating discussion of common problems, and acting as a clearinghouse for the exchange of information. Today, The Healthcare Council uses a variety of tools to accomplish that mission. 

ShareSource, a Group Purchasing Organization and wholly owned subsidiary of the Healthcare Council, a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1946 as the Hospital Council. The goal is to help reduce cost, improve efficiency, and create effective purchasing solutions. With members across 32 states, ShareSource provides substantial discounts for affiliated members on purchases of products and services many of which are used every day. Members enjoy access to regional contracts and a comprehensive portfolio of national contracts at no cost through our affiliate program with Premier.