Ascension today announced the appointments of Kedar S. Mate, MD, and David P. King to its Board of Directors, effective September 16, 2026.
“As Ascension continues to evolve, we need directors who add new perspectives and ask the right questions,” said Eduardo Conrado, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ascension. “Kedar and Dave bring phenomenal experience across healthcare, innovation, and leadership. Their insights will be valuable as we continue to expand access, better serve patients and caregivers, and position Ascension for the future. I look forward to working with them and am pleased to welcome them to our Board of Directors.”
Dr. Kedar Mate is co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Qualified Health AI, a digital health company focused on helping healthcare organizations implement artificial intelligence safely and securely. He also serves as President Emeritus and Senior Fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, a Senior Scholar at Stanford University School of Medicine, and a faculty member in the Department of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine. He brings more than 20 years of experience advancing healthcare quality, patient safety, clinical outcomes, and responsible innovation.
Dr. Mate previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. He currently serves on several healthcare and nonprofit boards, including MLK Community Health System, Healthcare Excellence Canada, Results for Development, Blue Shield of California, and the Partnership for Quality Measurement.
“Ascension’s Mission and commitment to quality, safety, and compassionate care are closely aligned with the work that has guided my career,” said Dr. Mate. “I am honored to join the Board of Directors and look forward to supporting Ascension as it works to improve outcomes, strengthen care delivery, and responsibly advance innovation for the patients and communities it serves.”
David King is Managing Member of KingMan LLC, where he provides strategic consulting services to healthcare organizations and investors. He previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, now known as Labcorp. During his tenure, King helped transform the organization from a U.S.-based clinical laboratory into a global life sciences company with operations in more than 100 countries.
King currently serves in leadership and governance roles with several healthcare organizations, including Smith & Nephew, Illumina, Privia Health, PathGroup, and Novant Health. He also served as Non-Executive Chair of AMSURG before its acquisition by Ascension. Earlier in his career, King was a partner in the healthcare practice at Hogan & Hartson LLP, now Hogan Lovells, and served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland.
“Ascension has a strong Mission and an important responsibility to expand access to quality care while navigating a rapidly changing healthcare environment,” said King. “I look forward to working with Ascension’s leaders and my fellow Board members to support the organization’s long-term strength and service to patients and communities.”
With the appointments of Dr. Mate and King, Ascension’s Board of Directors will continue to provide governance and oversight in support of the organization’s strategy and long-term priorities.
“Kedar and Dave bring complementary experience that will strengthen the Board as we guide Ascension in the years ahead,” said Sheila Burke, Chair of the Ascension Board of Directors. “We are pleased to welcome them and look forward to their contributions as we continue advancing Ascension’s Mission.”
