August 24, 2026– Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) today announced the appointment of Gaelynn McGavick to its Board of Trustees. McGavick brings decades of experience in healthcare law, federal policy, and advocacy, with a distinguished career representing the nation’s hospitals before Congress and the executive branch.
McGavick served as Washington Counsel for the American Hospital Association (AHA), where she represented hospitals and health systems before Congress, the White House, and the Department of Health and Human Services during a pivotal period in American healthcare. In that role, she advised on legislative and regulatory matters affecting hospitals nationwide and was a frequent speaker, author, and media commentator on healthcare policy and law.
Prior to joining the AHA, McGavick practiced healthcare law in Washington, D.C., first with Powers, Pyles, Sutter & O’Hare and later with Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, advising healthcare providers on regulatory, compliance, and policy matters.
“Gaelynn’s depth of knowledge in healthcare law and federal policy, combined with her longstanding commitment to this community, makes her a tremendous asset to our Board,” said Scott Lutgert, Chair of the NCH Board of Trustees. “Her experience navigating complex legislative and regulatory landscapes, along with her genuine passion for NCH’s mission, will strengthen our governance as we continue to grow and advance care in Southwest Florida.”
McGavick’s relationship with NCH began in 2022 when she chaired a community outreach initiative in support of the Rooney Heart Institute. She subsequently served on the NCH Campaign Committee, developing a deep familiarity with the health system and its mission to the Naples community. She currently chairs the Government Affairs Committee of the Port Royal Property Owners’ Association, where she regularly engages with state and local government officials, and serves on an advisory committee at her alma mater, the University of Notre Dame. Her previous nonprofit board service includes the Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Seattle Shakespeare Company.
“Gaelynn brings a rare combination of healthcare policy expertise and personal investment in NCH and this community,” said Paul Hiltz, FACHE, President and CEO of NCH. “She has been a trusted partner and advocate for this organization, and we are proud to welcome her formally to our Board.”
An accomplished public speaker and advocate, McGavick served as a principal surrogate speaker during a U.S. Senate campaign, addressing audiences throughout Washington state on public policy and community issues. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English, magna cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame and her Juris Doctor from American University’s Washington College of Law. She and her husband, Mike, are longtime members of the Naples community, where they now reside permanently.
“I have had the privilege of watching NCH grow and serve this region for several years, and I am honored to now contribute in a more formal capacity,” said McGavick. “NCH’s commitment to clinical excellence, community health, and responsible governance is extraordinary, and I look forward to supporting that work alongside such a talented and dedicated board and leadership team.”
About NCH
Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is an advanced community healthcare system serving Southwest Florida with premier routine, critical, and specialty care. A locally governed nonprofit, NCH has been recognized among America’s Top 50 hospitals which puts it in the top 1% in the nation for clinical excellence. It was also named a Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospital by Modern Healthcare. The system includes NCH Baker Hospital and NCH North Hospital, with more than 700 beds and more than 750 physicians, along with medical facilities in dozens of locations throughout Southwest Florida. NCH is the region’s only Joint Commission-accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center, and its cardiac care program ranks among the top three in the state. NCH collaborates with the Hospital for Special Surgery for orthopedics, Northwestern Medicine for oncology, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital for pediatrics, and ProScan Imaging for radiology services, ensuring top-tier medical care is available locally. With the largest provider network, urgent and immediate care centers, diagnostic facilities, and two hospitals, NCH continues to advance the quality of care close to home. For more information, visit nchmd.org.
