#United States #Atlanta #Grady Health #Christine Guillory #Tim Jefferson

Christine Guillory Becomes Chief Legal Officer at Grady Health System

On January 12, 2026, Christine Guillory will officially take over the role of Chief Legal Officer at Grady Health System, marking a pivotal transition in the organization’s legal leadership. Guillory steps into the position following the retirement of Tim Jefferson, who dedicated over 25 years to the legal framework of Grady, significantly shaping its foundation.

Guillory, an experienced legal executive, brings with her more than two decades of expertise in guiding complex and public-facing organizations across various sectors including healthcare, government, nonprofit, and corporate environments. Her extensive background promises a thoughtful and collaborative approach to governance, risk management, and strategic decision-making—elements crucial in spaces where legal integrity and public trust are paramount.

John Haupert, the President and CEO of Grady Health System, expressed confidence in Guillory's expertise, stating, “Christine brings exceptional legal expertise, sound judgment, and a strong track record of advising leadership in complex, highly regulated environments. Her collaborative approach will be invaluable as Grady continues to advance its mission while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability.”

Prior to joining Grady Health System, Guillory served as Associate General Counsel at Ochsner Health, a nonprofit healthcare entity operating throughout the Gulf South. In her recent role, she was instrumental in the strategic legal planning for 46 hospitals and 100 health centers, providing guidance on regulatory compliance, contracting, and crisis response, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During her tenure at Ochsner, Guillory played a key role in navigating legal strategies amidst evolving legislation. Her efforts addressed pressing issues such as crisis standards of care during the pandemic, advancements in end-of-life policies, and initiatives combating the opioid crisis through integrated, physician-centered tools.

As the Chief Legal Officer of Grady, Guillory's responsibilities will encompass overseeing the organization’s legal, governance, and compliance functions. This includes enterprise risk management, statutory compliance, complex contract negotiation, litigation oversight, and supporting public-facing partnerships and programs crucial to the healthcare community.

“I am honored to join Grady and to support an organization with such a vital public mission,” Guillory remarked. “I look forward to collaborating with the Board of Directors, executive leadership, clinicians, and staff to provide thoughtful and accountable legal guidance that strengthens governance, upholds public trust, and ensures Grady can continue serving our patients and community with integrity and purpose.”

Guillory is highly regarded for her steady judgment and collaborative leadership style, with a proven ability to navigate complex issues involving multiple stakeholders. She holds a law degree from USC Gould School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in International and Italian Studies from Emory University.

About Grady Health System
Located in Atlanta, Grady Health System stands as one of the largest safety net hospitals in the United States. It comprises the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, ten neighborhood health centers, and additional facilities including rehabilitation centers. Grady is notable for its Level I trauma center and the only verified burn center in Georgia, offering critical services such as the Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center and comprehensive cancer care.

Grady's commitment to high-quality patient care and community service has earned it national recognition, making it an essential provider of healthcare in Atlanta. For more details about their services, visit Grady Health System.