National Coalition on Health Care Names Ralph Neas as New CEO

The National Coalition on Health Care -- which includes unions, patient advocacy groups and other organizations -- has named former People for the American Way President Ralph Neas as CEO, the AP/Miami Herald reports. Neas said that he will focus on health care reform and that his appointment marks a shift for NCHC from "think tank mode to campaign mode." According to Neas, the coalition has experienced significant growth in recent months, and members believe that 2009 presents the best opportunity for health care reform since 1994. "Organizations inside and outside the coalition have been rejuvenated and the prospects for success are so much better now," he said. Neas also said that NCHC will remain nonpartisan during his tenure (AP/Miami Herald, 2/10).