Louis G. Smith, Jr., has been named the president of Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville, according to an announcement from Carol Burrell, president and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS). He will start in this role on March 2, 2015.
“During our exhaustive, nationwide search for candidates and thorough interview process, it became evident that Louis has demonstrated core values that align closely with those of our Health System – respectful compassion, deep interdependence, responsible stewardship and passion for excellence,” says Burrell. “His extensive healthcare experience spans decades, and his involvement in civic groups like local chambers of commerce and Rotary speak to his commitment to community. We’re excited to welcome him to the team.”
Smith has more than 21 years of healthcare experience, most recently serving as chief executive officer of Memorial Hermann Northeast Campus in Houston, Texas, since 2008. Prior to that, he served in senior leadership roles at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital and Memorial Hermann’s Spiritual Leadership Institute. In May 2014, Smith received Memorial Hermann’s highest honor – the Dan S. Wilford Spirit Award – which recognized his “integrity, spirituality and compassion for patients, family members, employees and volunteers.” Prior to moving to Texas, Smith served as Vice President of Hamilton Health Care System in Dalton.
“I feel blessed to have the opportunity not only to join a nationally respected and awarded organization like NGMC, but also to join a giving and active community like Gainesville,” says Smith. “I look forward to continuing NGMC’s legacy of excellent patient care while working with every member of the team to continually improve the patient experience.”
Smith received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Mississippi College and a master’s degree in health administration from Medical College of Virginia-Virginia Commonwealth University. He and his wife, June, are parents of a daughter and son and plan to reside in Gainesville.