Baystate Health CEO Peter Banko elected to MHA Board of Trustees
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Baystate Health President and CEO Peter D. Banko has been elected to the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA) Board of Trustees, the organization announced on January 30.
MHA represents hospitals, health systems, and healthcare providers across the state, advocating for policy initiatives and improvements in patient care.
Banko's appointment comes at a crucial time for Massachusetts' healthcare sector as it continues to recover from the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
'It is our honor to welcome Peter to the MHA Board at a critical time for the commonwealth's healthcare system,' said MHA President and CEO Steve Walsh. 'He brings a highly valuable national healthcare perspective to our mission, as well as a strong vision for the future of care delivery and patient access.'
As a board member, Banko will help address key challenges facing hospitals, including capacity constraints, workforce shortages, and financial sustainability. MHA aims to strengthen the state's reputation for healthcare innovation by advancing new models of care, addressing patient care disparities, and reimagining the healthcare workforce.
'We are blessed to have a health association that creates a bridge for collaboration and partnership amongst hospitals and health system leaders across Massachusetts,' said Banko. 'I look forward to working together to advocate for healthcare in New England and to find opportunities to advance care for our neighbors and caregivers in Western Massachusetts.'
Since joining Baystate Health in June 2024, Banko has led the organization's efforts to enhance patient care, improve financial stability, and expand healthcare access in the region. Under his leadership, Baystate Health is implementing a six-year, $1.2 billion investment strategy to strengthen its operations and maintain independence as a leading healthcare provider in New England.
Banko previously served as President and CEO of Centura Health, overseeing hospitals across Colorado, Kansas, and Utah. His career also includes leadership roles at Catholic Health Initiatives, CHRISTUS Spohn Health System, and St. Vincent in Little Rock, Arkansas.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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