Several south Georgia hospitals were recognized at a recent conference for networked rural healthcare organizations.
HomeTown Health recognized outstanding rural hospital employees during its 27th Annual Fall Conference, held last week at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain.
The three-day conference brought together more than 200 attendees for presentations and breakout sessions featuring healthcare industry experts, state agency representatives, and healthcare leaders. The event also included the presentation of annual awards recognizing rural hospital employees for their contributions and achievements over the past year.
Jack Henry, MHA, BSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Evans Memorial Hospital was recognized as the 2026 Nurse Executive of the Year, for his commitment for excellence in patient-centered care, approachable leadership and commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, staff engagement and strengthened nursing practice for himself and his team.
Will Bennett, CPA, CFO at Candler County Hospital, was presented as the 2026 CFO of the Year in recognition of his steadiness, responsiveness and engagement with the balance of fiscal responsibilities and operational realities, as well as his commitment to engaging various hospital leaders in collaboration towards operational success.
The 2026 Hospital Leader of the Year was presented to Derek Rozier, CEO at Liberty Regional Medical Center for his commitment to meaningful growth and advancement, contributions to improvements, collaboration and healthcare delivery in his community.
The 2026 Hospital of the Year was presented to Appling Healthcare in Baxley, Georgia for the positive impact it has demonstrated through safety and quality improvement improvements, commitment to financial recovery and sustainability and operational excellence through their entire health organization while prioritizing patient experience and community involvement.
HomeTown Health also recognized “Avilys,” a sleep disorder company, as the 2026 Business Partner of the Year and Joy White, Revenue Cycle Manager at Wills Memorial Hospital received the 2026 Business Office Leader of the Year award.
In addition to the awards ceremony, HomeTown Health recognized the graduates of its 2026 HomeTown Health Executive Leadership Development Program.
- April Worth, MBA | Appling Healthcare
- Brittany Brown, RN | Bleckley Memorial Hospital
- Jack Henry, MHA, BSN, RN | Evans Memorial Hospital
- Esmeralda Torres | Jeff Davis Hospital
- Betty Carey | Jeff Davis Hospital
- Andrew Gomez, CPA | Union General Hospital
- Wayne Barth, PT | Union General Health System
- Chelsea Petterson, BSN, RN | Upson Regional Medical Center
- Kathy Waddell | Washington County Regional Medical Center
- Erison Evans, MHA | Aletheia Health Partners
The Executive Leadership Development Program counts more than 200 alumni since its inception and is designed to engage and empower current rural healthcare leaders to continue in healthcare leadership in rural healthcare facilities throughout Georgia.
