#United States #Rural Hospitals #Healthcare Leaders #HomeTown Health #Pine Mountain

HomeTown Health Celebrates Rural Hospital Leaders in 2025

From October 22 to 24, 2025, the picturesque Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, hosted the 26th Annual Fall Conference organized by HomeTown Health, LLC. This event brought together numerous healthcare professionals, industry experts, and advocates, to discuss significant issues in the rural healthcare landscape while acknowledging exceptional contributions made by individuals in these communities.

HomeTown Health, a prominent network comprising rural healthcare organizations across the Southeast, along with various business collaborators dedicated to advancing rural healthcare solutions, utilized this annual gathering to recognize and commend the hard work and dedication displayed by rural hospital staff over the past year.

Kristy Thomson, Chief Operating Officer of HomeTown Health, expressed her pride in collaborating with hospital leaders who provide essential services in rural areas. “It is truly our pleasure to work alongside hospital leaders throughout the state that serve in rural facilities. It is even more fulfilling to recognize those leaders as they excel in their facilities, positively impacting their communities,” she stated.

During the conference, prestigious awards were presented to several notable individuals:

• - Roxy Bacon, RN from Optim Medical Center – Tattnall was awarded the 2025 Nurse Executive of the Year for her outstanding nursing knowledge, exceptional workflow optimization, and devotion to her team. Her ability to balance compassion in patient care with professional excellence stood out among her peers.
• - Megan Ford, Director of Revenue Cycle at Colquitt Regional Medical Center was honored with the title of 2025 Revenue Cycle Leader of the Year, acknowledging her unwavering dedication and impactful leadership within her department.
• - Norma Sullivan, CFO at Mountain Lakes Medical Center received the 2025 CFO of the Year award for her strategic leadership and profound community engagement, which exemplified her passion for improving healthcare outcomes.
• - Geoff Hardy, Administrator of South Georgia Medical Center Lanier, was bestowed the title of 2025 Hospital Leader of the Year, recognized for his innovative leadership approach and the inspiring care he provided to his staff and community.

In addition to individual accolades, HomeTown Health highlighted key organizational contributions as well. CDH Partners was celebrated as the 2025 Business Partner of the Year for their commitment to the rural healthcare sector, demonstrating excellence in collaboration and comprehensive service provision.

Monroe County Hospital in Forsyth, Georgia, was named the 2025 Hospital of the Year, acknowledging its team's hard work and resilience during a challenging transition, including infrastructure improvements and service line expansions.

Another vital segment of the event was the graduation ceremony for the HomeTown Health Executive Leadership Development Program. Since its inception, this program has empowered over 200 healthcare leaders across Georgia, focusing on nurturing their leadership capabilities in rural healthcare settings. Graduates recognized during this ceremony included professionals from diverse hospitals, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to shaping future leaders in healthcare.

As HomeTown Health continues to influence the landscape of rural healthcare, it remains dedicated to providing advocacy, education, strategic support, and collaborative opportunities to enhance the capabilities and resilience of its members. Through initiatives like the annual conference and leadership programs, the organization exemplifies its unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access and quality in our rural communities.

For more information about HomeTown Health’s initiatives and support for rural healthcare, visit their website at HomeTown Health Online.