Valued Voice

Every year, in consultation with state hospital associations, one individual in each state is honored as a “Grassroots Champion” by the American Hospital Association (AHA). For 2026, Tomah Health’s CEO Derek Daly received the AHA Grassroots Champion Award for Wisconsin.

WHA President and CEO Kyle O’Brien presented the 2026 AHA Grassroots Champion Award to Tomah Health CEO Derek Daly (right) Oct. 13.WHA President and CEO Kyle O’Brien presented the award to Daly at Tomah Health on Oct. 13. Daly has been actively involved in several key advocacy initiatives, including working with Wisconsin’s congressional delegation to help secure historic approval of the enhanced state-directed payment program bringing additional federal Medicaid reimbursement dollars to Wisconsin. He has also demonstrated leadership at the state and federal levels in advocating for rural health care.

“Since Derek has come to Wisconsin, he arrived with a passion for advocacy… a passion he has put into practice in one of the most consequential years for hospitals in recent memory,” said O’Brien in presenting the award. He added, “This success does not happen by accident. It is the result of a strong WHA team that is advocating on your behalf, but equally important- it is the result of committed member leaders, like Derek, who make advocacy a priority."

Daly has also been an active member of WHA’s Hospitals Education & Advocacy Team (HEAT) and a contributor to the Wisconsin Hospital’s PAC & Conduit. He has served on numerous WHA boards, councils and committees, including the WHA Board of Directors, WHA Council on Rural Health (chair) and the WHA Public Policy Committee.