Robert W. “Bob” Olsen Appointed Interim President and CEO

(Helena, Mont.) – The Montana Hospital Association Board of Trustees today announced that it has appointed Robert W. “Bob” Olsen as Interim President and CEO for the Association. Mr. Olsen will begin in the role on Monday, December 5.

In this role, Mr. Olsen will lead the Association activities including strategy and advocacy, as well as provide direction to the Association’s charitable arm, the Montana Health Research and Education Foundation, and for-profit subsidiary, MHA Ventures.

“Bob brings back more than 30 years of healthcare policy and advocacy experience to the Association. He is a knowledgeable and trusted voice among our membership, elected leaders and partners. We look forward to his thoughtful and strategic approach to the challenges and opportunities facing hospitals and healthcare in Montana, and know he will position the Association for continued success in its next chapter,” said Dr. Greg Hanson, MHA Board Chair and CEO of Clark Fork Valley Hospital (Plains, Mont.).

Mr. Olsen rejoins MHA after retiring from the role of MHA Senior Vice President in 2019, following a 30-year career with the Association that included many significant accomplishments on federal and state regulatory, policy and advocacy matters. In his role as Senior Vice President, he also provided operational leadership and compliance oversight for the Association. Prior to MHA, Mr. Olsen served for seven years at the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services working in the state’s Medicaid program.

Mr. Olsen brings a wealth of healthcare policy and finance experience to the role. He has held multiple board and leadership positions, including for the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), the Montana Chapter of HFMA, and LeadingAge. His knowledge of hospital finance and health policy has been instrumental in the development of many policy and reimbursement models which have been key to the viability and strength of Montana’s healthcare system.

Mr. Olsen has a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from MSU-Billings and graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).

Mr. Olsen grew up in Shelby, Montana. He is married to Lois, and they have two adult children.

The Montana Hospital Association (MHA) is the principal advocate for the interests of members in their efforts to improve the health status of the communities they serve. MHA, in partnership with our communities, will make Montana a “Top 10 Healthy State.” Learn more here.