Wellstar Health System CEO Candice L. Saunders to Retire After a Distinguished Career
After nearly two decades of dedicated service, Candice L. Saunders, the president and CEO of Wellstar Health System, is set to retire at the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2025. Her tenure has been marked by significant advancements in healthcare delivery throughout Georgia, transforming Wellstar into a leading nonprofit health system.
Saunders began her career within the Wellstar Health System in March 2007 when she took on the role of president at Kennestone Regional Medical Center. Her leadership capabilities quickly propelled her to higher echelons of the organization, and in July 2015 she was appointed as the president and CEO of the health system. Under her visionary leadership, Wellstar expanded from a small collection of community hospitals to a robust healthcare network with 11 hospitals, over 400 medical offices, and a workforce of 33,000 employees providing care to more than three million patients annually across 148 of Georgia's 159 counties.
Frank Ros, chairman of the Wellstar Board of Trustees, praised Saunders as a compassionate caregiver and an innovative leader, highlighting how her strategic foresight has led to improved health outcomes and enhanced patient experiences. "Candice is a compassionate caregiver and a visionary leader," Ros stated. "Under her guidance, Wellstar has established new community partnerships, implemented forward-thinking care models, and adopted advanced technologies that have made significant improvements to healthcare delivery in Georgia."
During her career, Saunders has overseen Wellstar's pivotal role in providing uncompensated care, with the organization contributing more than $1 billion annually in healthcare to uninsured and under-insured patients. Her commitment to building a positive workplace culture has also been recognized; Wellstar has received numerous accolades, including a place on Fortune's list of 100 Best Companies to Work For in America.
One of her key initiatives was the launch of the PeopleCare brand, which centers the patient experience in every operational aspect. Saunders also played a critical role in fostering partnerships with educational institutions like Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia, thereby enhancing both healthcare and educational outcomes statewide. Moreover, her leadership led to the creation of Catalyst by Wellstar, focusing on early-stage healthcare technologies that promise to enhance patient outcomes and experiences.
The announcement of her retirement has triggered a planned succession process, with the Wellstar Board of Trustees poised to engage an executive search firm to identify both internal and external candidates for her successor. Saunders intends to remain involved during the transition period, ensuring continuity as Wellstar embarks on a new chapter.
Beyond her professional accolades, Saunders has been active in civic engagements, serving on various boards including the American Hospital Association and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Her influence has been recognized in multiple publications, where she's been acknowledged as a leading woman in healthcare and a key figure in the clinical executive landscape.
With a heartfelt farewell, Saunders remarked, "I will leave with a full heart. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to lead Wellstar and work with so many talented leaders and caregivers, all committed to our vision of providing world-class healthcare to every person, every time."
As Saunders prepares to step down, her legacy of compassionate leadership, innovation, and commitment to healthcare excellence will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Wellstar Health System and the communities it serves.
Saunders began her career within the Wellstar Health System in March 2007 when she took on the role of president at Kennestone Regional Medical Center. Her leadership capabilities quickly propelled her to higher echelons of the organization, and in July 2015 she was appointed as the president and CEO of the health system. Under her visionary leadership, Wellstar expanded from a small collection of community hospitals to a robust healthcare network with 11 hospitals, over 400 medical offices, and a workforce of 33,000 employees providing care to more than three million patients annually across 148 of Georgia's 159 counties.
Frank Ros, chairman of the Wellstar Board of Trustees, praised Saunders as a compassionate caregiver and an innovative leader, highlighting how her strategic foresight has led to improved health outcomes and enhanced patient experiences. "Candice is a compassionate caregiver and a visionary leader," Ros stated. "Under her guidance, Wellstar has established new community partnerships, implemented forward-thinking care models, and adopted advanced technologies that have made significant improvements to healthcare delivery in Georgia."
During her career, Saunders has overseen Wellstar's pivotal role in providing uncompensated care, with the organization contributing more than $1 billion annually in healthcare to uninsured and under-insured patients. Her commitment to building a positive workplace culture has also been recognized; Wellstar has received numerous accolades, including a place on Fortune's list of 100 Best Companies to Work For in America.
One of her key initiatives was the launch of the PeopleCare brand, which centers the patient experience in every operational aspect. Saunders also played a critical role in fostering partnerships with educational institutions like Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia, thereby enhancing both healthcare and educational outcomes statewide. Moreover, her leadership led to the creation of Catalyst by Wellstar, focusing on early-stage healthcare technologies that promise to enhance patient outcomes and experiences.
The announcement of her retirement has triggered a planned succession process, with the Wellstar Board of Trustees poised to engage an executive search firm to identify both internal and external candidates for her successor. Saunders intends to remain involved during the transition period, ensuring continuity as Wellstar embarks on a new chapter.
Beyond her professional accolades, Saunders has been active in civic engagements, serving on various boards including the American Hospital Association and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Her influence has been recognized in multiple publications, where she's been acknowledged as a leading woman in healthcare and a key figure in the clinical executive landscape.
With a heartfelt farewell, Saunders remarked, "I will leave with a full heart. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to lead Wellstar and work with so many talented leaders and caregivers, all committed to our vision of providing world-class healthcare to every person, every time."
As Saunders prepares to step down, her legacy of compassionate leadership, innovation, and commitment to healthcare excellence will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Wellstar Health System and the communities it serves.
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