Burke Health was chosen as the 2023 Hospital of the Year for providing exemplary commitment in rural hospital leadership by adopting “best practices” for rural hospital improvement, maintaining a commitment to staff education, advocating to state policymakers while emphasizing technological advances and showcasing a dedication to superior patient care.

Michael Purvis, CEO at Candler County Hospital, was recognized as the recipient of the 2023 Hospital Leader of the Year, recognized for exemplary leadership and dedication to patient care, employee excellence, innovation solutions and efforts.

Leif England, CFO of Jeff Davis Hospital, received the 2023 CFO of the Year award for outstanding leadership in hospital finance, including a demonstrated commitment to excellence in financial practices, best practices in strategic partnerships, and revenue cycle management.

Joan Hartley, Patient Financial Director at Dodge County Hospital, was announced as the 2023 Business Office Leader of the Year, "Chosen for outstanding leadership in sharing best practices in the business office and for your commitment to excellence, to employee education, business partner endorsement and revenue cycle improvement.”

John Roland, Chief Nursing Officer at Bleckley Memorial Hospital was recognized as the 2023 Nurse Executive of the Year, for providing exceptional leadership by adopting best practices for rural hospital improvement, for making a commitment to staff education and leadership development while emphasizing technological advances and superior patient care.

HealthTrust, a Platinum level business partner with HomeTown Health, was presented the “2023 Business Partners of the Year” award. “Healthtrust Performance Group provides valuable cost-saving solutions across a wide scope of services. Their company’s robust network brings savings into the HomeTown family and engages speakers and resources that enhance best practices. Through their vision and foresight to identify the universal deep system cost improvements, Healthtrust Performance Group maximized volume for cost control and quality for HomeTown Health member hospitals. A relationship with them brings benefits to hospitals that no one else delivers. . . some of the cost benefits of the largest health systems in the nation.,” shared Sherri Ackerman, Business Partner Director of HomeTown Health.

In addition to the awards presented, HomeTown Health recognized the graduates of its 2023 HomeTown Health Executive Leadership Development Program.

• Amy Cook, Accountant, Bleckley Memorial Hospital
• Marty Ray, CIO, Candler County Hospital
• Latecia Pusha, Human Resources Manager, Effingham Health System
• James Wright, Evans Memorial Hospital
• Brenda McEachin, Director of Human Resources, Jeff Davis Hospital
• Paula Wilcox, Compliance Officer, Jeff Davis Hospital
• Amber Townsend, Admissions Coordinator, Miller County Hospital
• Shakinah Freeman, Patient Access Supervisor, Miller County Hospital
• Garrett Grimsley, Corporate Controller, Miller County Hospital
• Hunter McCall, Director of Support Services, Optim Medical Center - Tatnall
• Tiffany Jolly, Comptroller, Taylor Regional Hospital