10 CHRO exits, 13 hires: What’s driving health system HR turnover

In 2026, U.S. hospitals and health systems have seen an unprecedented churn in top HR leadership, with 23 chief human resources officer moves recorded, including a spike of 10 exits in just June and July. While three of these were retirements, seven others saw leaders leaving for new opportunities elsewhere, indicating a trend of high turnover driven by competitive job offers. This turnover rate underscores the intense pressure and evolving demands placed on HR leaders in healthcare, highlighting the need for effective succession planning and retention strategies.