Melony G. Griffith

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President & CEO, Maryland Hospital Association

Melony G. Griffith, president and CEO of the Maryland Hospital Association, leverages her background as a social worker and legislator to form invaluable relationships at all levels. “My commitment to collaboration, integrity and innovative problem-solving has been crucial in leading the Maryland Hospital Association,” she explained.

Griffith’s journey has been marked by resilience and perseverance. After losing her first election for the Maryland House of Delegates in 1994, she persisted and won in 1998. Despite losing her bid for the Maryland Senate in 2014, she triumphed in 2018, eventually serving 22 years as a state legislator. “These experiences taught me the value of tenacity and staying true to one’s goals,” she reflected.

As MHA’s first Black female CEO, Griffith is proud of her role in advocating for Maryland’s hospitals and health systems. “I’m most proud to support our state’s hospitals and health systems, their incredible workforce and the patients they serve,” she said. Her leadership focuses on elevating these institutions and recognizing the selfless, lifesaving work they do, especially highlighted during the pandemic.

Committed to advocacy and support for health care professionals, Griffith participates in initiatives like the Greater Maryland Heart Walk and the Maryland Special Olympics’ Polar Bear Plunge. “It’s essential we continue to recognize and support their efforts,” she said, underscoring her dedication to ensuring Maryland’s health care heroes receive the appreciation and resources they deserve.

Griffith’s efforts have earned her numerous awards, including Howard University’s 2024 Bison Breaking Barriers Award, the Maryland Health Care for All’s 2023 Leadership Award in 2023 and the MHA’s 2023 Outstanding Legislator Award.