Sam R. Watson, CPPS

Sam R. Watson is senior vice president of field engagement for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association. In this role, he leads member services and develops strategic relationships with stakeholders to further the mission of the MHA. Additionally, Mr. Watson provides executive leadership for the Education division and the MHA Keystone Center. Over the years, Mr. Watson has led numerous efforts to build collaborative relationships across multiple entities in Michigan and beyond. Most recently, he has co-led the creation of Superior Health Quality Alliance, an eight-organization consortium that addresses quality and safety through federally funded contracts.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Watson led the MHA Keystone Center in its efforts to improve patient safety and quality, including federally funded Hospital Engagement Networks, Hospital Improvement Innovation Networks and many statewide quality initiatives, with focus areas such as surgery, obstetrics, hospital-associated infections, EDs, sepsis, falls, pressure ulcers, venous thromboembolism and care transitions. Under Mr. Watson’s leadership, the MHA Keystone Center received the Eisenberg Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality Award and the Dick Davidson Quality Milestone Award for healthcare improvement. Mr. Watson has been recognized as one of the “50 Experts Leading the Field of Patient Safety” by Becker’s Hospital Review. He currently serves on several professional organizations and committees, including the boards of directors for the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, Christian Living Services–Holland Home and Spectrum Health West Michigan.