Kevin Harlen has been named as the first executive director of the Digestive Health Physicians Association (DHPA). As executive director, Mr. Harlen will provide administrative leadership to the association in its efforts to promote and preserve accessible, high quality and cost-efficient care in the independent gastroenterological medical practice setting.
“Kevin is a prominent member of the Washington Metropolitan Area medical community and has served in leadership positions across the region for almost 20 years. He’s brought his vast experience to bear on behalf of DHPA every step of the way as we have grown the organization,” said Dr. Fred Rosenberg, president and chairman of the board of DHPA. “We are honored that he has chosen to serve us in this new role, and we look forward to Kevin’s leadership in securing patient access to independent GI care.”
Mr. Harlen is chief operating officer of Capital Digestive Care, which is a founding member practice of DHPA. In this role, he oversees all day-to-day operations of the enterprise, including central business office operations, management of accounting and professional billing, credentialing and compliance requirements, human resources, information technology, business development, managed care contracting and marketing efforts.
“I’ve been truly amazed at the accomplishments our very dedicated members have made as advocates for our patients and our practices,” said Harlen. “Our members are truly committed to providing the best care in our communities, and I am honored to continue working in this new role to ensure that our voices are heard.”
Prior to joining Capital Digestive Care, Mr. Harlen previously served as executive director of the Northern Virginia Hospital Alliance (NVHA), and on the executive team of the Washington Hospital Center as vice president of professional services, followed by the position of vice president of strategic planning and business development. Mr. Harlen serves on the Board of Trustees of the Greater Washington D.C./Virginia Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America and is a member and former chair of the Washington Regional Transplant Community Board of Directors. Additionally, he taught as an adjunct Faculty Member in the School of Nursing and Health Systems at Georgetown University from 2005 to 2010 and is a proud member of the University of North Carolina’s School of Public Health Alumni Association Board of Governors.