Former transportation secretary to head hospital trade group

Sean T. Connaughton, the former Virginia secretary of transportation under Gov. Bob McDonnell, has been named president of the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association.

He will succeed Laurens Sartoris, who will be retiring after 26 years at the helm of VHHA and 35 years in total with the association.

“Hospitals and health systems not only take care of our citizens but are major economic drivers in our communities,” Connaughton said in a statemnent. “As they continue to face numerous challenges, including closing the coverage gap in Virginia, I look forward to working with our health-care partners, business community, our state and federal policymakers and elected leaders to improve upon Virginia’s already exceptional health care delivery system.”

Connaughton is a former chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors. He served as head of the U.S. Maritime Administration under President George W. Bush.

He made an unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in 2005, losing to Bill Bolling who won the general election.

Connaughton become the association’s third president in 88-year history.

The appointment is the result of a succession plan begun two years ago. The group’s board of directors worked with Sartoris in appointing a selection committee to find a successor.