In the structure of a not-for-profit hospital, who typically serves as the leader of the board?

In a not-for-profit hospital, the leader of the board is typically the hospital's CEO. This individual provides strategic direction and oversight for the hospital's operations while also coordinating closely with the board of directors to ensure that the hospital adheres to its mission and values. The CEO represents the organization's interests and objectives effectively, facilitating communication between management and the board, which is crucial for governance and policy decisions.

Moreover, this structure allows the CEO to advocate for the hospital’s needs with the board and helps in aligning the hospital's operational goals with the strategic goals set by the board. Other roles, such as the chief financial officer, community health director, or head of nursing staff, while important for the hospital's day-to-day functioning, do not typically involve the overall leadership of the board, which is focused on broader governance and strategic oversight aspects essential to the not-for-profit nature of the organization.