After nearly four decades at the helm of one of America’s most influential health policy institutions, Dr. Drew Altman has announced his retirement as the Founding President and Chief Executive Officer of KFF (formerly the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation). His departure, effective December 31, 2026, marks the end of a transformative era that redefined how the United States consumes health policy analysis, polling, and journalism.
The KFF Board of Trustees has announced a strategic succession plan, naming long-time executive stalwarts Larry Levitt and Dr. Mollyann Brodie to lead the organization starting January 1, 2027. Levitt will step into the role of CEO, while Dr. Brodie will serve as President. This leadership transition represents a carefully calibrated continuity, ensuring that KFF remains a nonpartisan beacon of truth in an increasingly fractured national landscape.
The Architect of Modern Health Policy Analysis
When Dr. Altman relocated to California in 1990 to reshape what was then the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, he carried a vision of creating a "one-of-a-kind" information engine. Under his tenure, KFF evolved from a traditional foundation into a multifaceted media and research powerhouse.
The organization’s methodology—combining rigorous policy research, gold-standard survey data, and high-impact health journalism—has become the gold standard for policymakers, the media, and the public. Most notably, Altman oversaw the launch and expansion of KFF Health News, which has blossomed into the nation’s largest newsroom dedicated exclusively to health policy. This vertical integration of data and storytelling has allowed KFF to influence the national discourse on everything from the intricacies of Medicare reimbursement rates to the accessibility of COVID-19 vaccinations.
A Chronology of Influence: Three Decades of Impact
The history of KFF under Altman’s guidance tracks the most significant health policy developments in modern American history.
- 1990–2000: Building the Foundation: Altman focused on transitioning the organization toward an analytical, data-driven entity. During this period, the foundation established its reputation for independent, nonpartisan research that provided a neutral ground in the often-contentious world of healthcare legislation.
- 2000–2010: Shaping the Safety Net: KFF’s research became a vital resource during the expansion of Medicaid and the development of Medicare Part D. Its analysis of the uninsured and the mechanics of health insurance markets served as a critical guide for members of Congress on both sides of the aisle.
- 2010–2020: The ACA and Beyond: The passage and implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) solidified KFF’s role as the "go-to" source for complex policy breakdown. The foundation’s "explainer" series and interactive calculators became essential tools for journalists and voters attempting to navigate the complexities of the healthcare exchange system.
- 2020–2026: The Pandemic and the Future: During the COVID-19 pandemic, KFF’s role was elevated to essential public service. The COVID Vaccine Monitor provided real-time insights into vaccine hesitancy and public sentiment, filling a void that federal agencies struggled to address.
Supporting Data: The Pillars of KFF’s Success
KFF’s influence is not merely anecdotal; it is quantified by its reach and the reliance placed upon its data by decision-makers. The foundation’s reputation for impartiality has been its greatest asset. In an era of rampant misinformation, KFF has maintained a consistent focus on the "real-world implications" of policy proposals, such as Medicaid block grants or price transparency initiatives.
By synthesizing vast datasets into accessible formats, KFF has ensured that even the most dense legislation remains subject to public scrutiny. The foundation’s survey research program, led by Dr. Mollyann Brodie, has become the primary metric for tracking public opinion on health care, often serving as a barometer for how policies will land in the political arena.
Official Responses and Reflections
The announcement of Dr. Altman’s retirement has drawn tributes from across the spectrum of public policy, highlighting the deep respect he has commanded.
"Building KFF over the last three-plus decades has been a mission for me," Dr. Altman stated. "My whole purpose has been to build an institution that could be a force for people and for truth in health care… I’m immensely proud of that legacy." Regarding his decision to step down, Altman noted the personal milestones that have coincided with the organization’s success. "With two small grandkids in Sacramento and Atlanta and another on the way, the clock in my head is telling me it’s time."
Former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe, Chair of the KFF Board of Trustees, emphasized the deliberative nature of the succession. "KFF is the most trusted and respected voice in health policy, in large part because of Drew Altman. During my time in the U.S. Senate, the organization’s data and research were invaluable in shaping key health care decisions."
The incoming leaders, Larry Levitt and Dr. Mollyann Brodie, issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to the foundation’s core values. "We are grateful for Drew’s vision in establishing KFF as a leading source for independent and nonpartisan health policy information and look forward to continuing that mission," they stated.
Implications for the Future of Health Policy
The transition to Levitt and Brodie is designed to ensure stability during a period of significant uncertainty in the American healthcare system.
Continuity in Leadership
Both Levitt and Brodie are not outsiders; they are the architects of KFF’s current operational success. Levitt, as Executive Vice President for Health Policy, has been the face of the organization’s policy analysis for over a decade. His expertise spans Medicare, Medicaid, and racial equity, making him a seasoned hand at navigating the political complexities of Washington. Dr. Brodie, as Executive Vice President and COO, has masterfully managed the organization’s internal operations and its world-class survey research program. Her recent recognition with the American Association of Public Opinion Research’s Award for Exceptionally Distinguished Achievement underscores her professional standing in the field.
Navigating Polarization
The incoming leadership team faces a distinct challenge: maintaining the "gold standard" of objective analysis in an era defined by political polarization and declining trust in institutions. Levitt has already signaled that this will be a primary focus of his tenure as CEO. "We will build on the credibility KFF has established as an independent and nonpartisan source of health policy information in an increasingly polarized environment," he noted.
A Laser Focus on the Patient
Dr. Brodie, in her capacity as President, has committed to keeping the human element at the center of the organization’s output. "KFF will continue our laser focus on how health policies and the health care system affect real people," she stated. This commitment to centering the patient experience in policy analysis is what has historically allowed KFF to transcend partisan debates and offer solutions that prioritize public health over political gain.
Conclusion: A New Chapter
As 2026 draws to a close, Dr. Drew Altman will conclude a tenure that arguably redefined the role of philanthropic institutions in American democracy. By proving that data-driven, nonpartisan analysis can be a powerful counterweight to misinformation, he has left a blueprint for the next generation.
With Levitt and Brodie, KFF is not choosing a new direction, but rather reinforcing its existing one. The transition represents a strategic commitment to the rigorous standards that have made KFF an indispensable part of the American health policy landscape. As the nation grapples with the future of affordability, coverage, and the changing landscape of medical care, KFF remains positioned—under new, yet familiar, leadership—to provide the clarity and context that the public and policymakers so desperately require. The legacy of Dr. Altman is not just in the foundation he built, but in the enduring, fact-based infrastructure that will guide health policy for years to come.
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