FirstHealth of the Carolinas CEO Mickey Foster, a longtime advocate for North Carolina’s hospitals and patients, has been named the recipient of the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Grassroots Champion Award. 

The AHA’s Grassroots Champion Award recognizes hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community, have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for hospitals and are tireless advocates for hospitals and patients. The award is presented annually to one person from each state.

“Mickey has been a tireless advocate for the NCHA and, more importantly, for advancing policies that genuinely improve the lives and health of North Carolinians,” said Josh Dobson, president and CEO of NCHA, in a press release. “He has consistently brought people together, built consensus on difficult issues and worked tirelessly to strengthen our health care system for patients, providers and communities across the state. His dedication, service and lasting contributions have made North Carolina a better place, and this recognition is a fitting tribute to a career defined by leadership, humility and an unwavering commitment to serving others.”

Foster’s recognition underscores his longstanding commitment to advancing sound health care policy and building strong relationships with state and federal lawmakers on behalf of North Carolina’s hospitals and the patients they serve.

Foster has served as CEO for FirstHealth of the Carolinas since 2019. Before his current role, he served as president of The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, N.C., and senior vice president for Cone Health from 2014 to 2019.