LEXINGTON, Ky. — Nancy Galvagni, who spent more than four decades with the Kentucky Hospital Association, has stepped down from her position as CEO, the organization confirmed Tuesday without providing a reason for her departure.

The association, which represents hospitals across the state, has not made a public announcement about the leadership transition. A spokeswoman confirmed that Galvagni "is no longer serving as CEO of KHA" and that the board has named Melanie Landrum as interim leader. Landrum has worked in healthcare for over 20 years in both inpatient and outpatient settings and previously held senior roles overseeing data and quality programs at the association.

When asked whether Galvagni's departure was connected to recent criticism of her salary, association spokeswoman Ginger Dreyer declined to comment, saying the organization had "nothing more to comment." Attempts to reach Galvagni were unsuccessful.

The timing of Galvagni's exit comes roughly a month after Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers condemned the association's leadership compensation from the Senate floor, calling the CEO's annual salary of nearly $1 million "outrageous." Data show Galvagni earned a base salary of $903,674 plus $43,086 in other compensation, according to nonprofit salary databases.

Stivers specifically referenced the salary in the context of federal Medicaid cuts. "When we start talking about health care, the indigent," Stivers said in his March 5 speech, questioning whether such high compensation was appropriate when serving vulnerable populations who depend on Medicaid.

However, nonprofit salary data indicates Galvagni's compensation was consistent with what hospital association leaders in neighboring states earned. According to ProPublica's nonprofit database, hospital association CEOs in Illinois earned $1.3 million, Missouri $1.2 million, and Tennessee more than $1 million annually.

Galvagni joined the Kentucky Hospital Association in 1979, became senior vice president in 1998, and was named president and CEO in 2019. She had become a familiar figure in Frankfort, advocating on healthcare legislation including certificate of need regulations, freestanding birth centers, and drug pricing programs. Under her leadership, the association opposed federal Medicaid cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, arguing they would particularly harm rural communities by threatening obstetrics, mental health, cancer treatment and emergency services.

"The Board is focused on ensuring a smooth leadership transition and continued service to KHA members," Dreyer said.