James A. Carlson

James Carlson, who served as CEO of OHCA since 1997, retired from this position at the end 2020. He continues to be engaged with OHCA as a strategic advisor. With over 30 years of experience in health policy and association management, Jim is widely recognized as one of the leading long-term care and health policy resources in Oregon.

For more than three decades, Jim has worked closely with local, state, and federal policymakers; advocates; businesses; and coalitions to enhance access to quality care and services in Oregon.

Before first joining OHCA as director of government affairs in 1994, Jim served as associate director of government affairs for the Oregon Medical Association. He began his career as a legislative assistant for the U.S. House of Representatives.

He is a past member of the boards of directors of the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) and is a past-president of the American Society of Health Care Association Executives (ASHCAE).