Healthcare Leadership Council Applauds J&J Executive Calvin Schmidt’s Transformative Tenure as Chairman, Welcomes Former HHS Secretary Alex Azar to Lead Next Chapter
The Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC), an association of CEOs and C-suite executives from all sectors of healthcare, today applauded Johnson & Johnson’s Calvin W. Schmidt for his transformative chairmanship and announced that Alex Azar, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has been named its new national board chair for 2026-2027.
“We are grateful for Calvin’s exceptional leadership during a dynamic period of transition not only for Congress and the Administration but also for HLC as an organization. During his time at the helm, he has remained laser focused on bringing together perspectives from across the continuum to ensure we are all working together to strengthen quality care and access for patients – now and into the future,” said HLC President and CEO Maria Ghazal.
Schmidt, who is the Company Group Chairman and Senior Vice President, Worldwide Government Affairs & Policy at Johnson & Johnson, spearheaded efforts to redefine HLC’s priorities and the organization itself. This included hiring Ghazal in 2024 and leading a modernization of HLC’s agenda with a focus on innovation, transforming access to patient-centered care, AI advancements, and strengthening cybersecurity. Additionally, he is credited with reinvigorating and diversifying membership; deepening connections with healthcare policy leaders in Washington, D.C., and beyond; and dramatically bolstering member value by reinventing engagement opportunities and offering one-of-a-kind peer-to-peer networking with healthcare leaders from the entire ecosystem.
Secretary Azar, who most recently served as HLC’s Membership Chair, will officially assume his new role on January 1, 2026.
“It is a privilege to pass the gavel to such a widely respected leader with deep healthcare experience in both the private-sector and through his public service,” said Schmidt. “Alex offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping healthcare today and how to effectively advance industry priorities in Washington.”
As HHS secretary from 2018-2021, Azar created and led Operation Warp Speed, the private-public partnership that developed and distributed COVID-19 vaccines in record time. He had previously served the agency as general counsel and deputy director during President George W. Bush’s first and second terms, respectively. Azar also has extensive experience in the private sector, most notably as president of Lilly USA, the largest division of Eli Lilly and Company. He is currently chairman of the board of LifeScience Logistics, an HLC Member.
“It is an honor to have the opportunity to lead the only organization in Washington that brings together C-suite executives from across the healthcare spectrum to shape the future of the system and improve care for Americans nationwide,” said Azar. “With the promise of transformative technologies like artificial intelligence, a focus on increasing domestic capabilities for manufacturing, and continued innovations to make care more accessible, it’s an exciting time to assume leadership of HLC.”
“I commend Calvin’s vision and steadfast stewardship during these unprecedented times. There is no doubt that he has elevated HLC’s impact and increased the caliber and breadth of our membership.”
Ghazal added, “As Secretary Azar takes the gavel, I am excited to see how his depth of experience and forward-looking perspective can build on HLC’s success as we continue to advance private-sector solutions to strengthen healthcare for all Americans.”
HLC Executive Committee members praised Schmidt’s leadership and looked forward to Sec. Azar’s upcoming tenure.
“In today’s complex and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, no single organization or sector can create meaningful change alone,” said Heather Knight, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Baxter. “Calvin’s revolutionary leadership for HLC has been integral in deepening the collaboration and consensus-building across sectors, and it’s been a privilege to work with him as a member of the HLC Executive Committee. I am confident that this strong momentum will continue under Alex’s guidance, whose expertise will be invaluable as we work together to advance progress on the most pressing health policy issues.”
“I commend Calvin for his strong stewardship of HLC, having witnessed it closely as a member of the HLC Executive Committee,” shared Michael Alkire, President & Chief Executive Officer, Premier. “He led a rebirth of HLC – expanding the breadth of our membership and deepening our impact through revitalized advocacy initiatives. With this foundation in place, Alex’s unparalleled experience as a leader in the public and private sectors positions HLC to build on this momentum as we continue working tirelessly to improve patient care across the healthcare continuum.”
Knight will be replacing Azar as Membership Chair and Alkire will remain HLC’s Treasurer.
The announcement of this transition was made at today’s HLC Membership Meeting.
