Celebrating Excellence: HomeTown Health 2026 Rural Healthcare Awards and Leadership Graduation Highlights
HomeTown Health Honors Achievements in Rural Healthcare
Recently, HomeTown Health, LLC convened in picturesque Pine Mountain, Georgia, for its 27th Annual Fall Conference held from October 21-23, 2026. This prestigious gathering brought together over 200 stakeholders from rural healthcare who engaged in enriching breakout sessions and listened to expert presentations from industry leaders and state representatives. The event not only served as a networking hub but also as a platform to celebrate the dedication and hard work of rural healthcare professionals.
The HomeTown Health initiative focuses on providing essential services and support to rural healthcare organizations across the Southeastern United States. Over the years, it has become a beacon of advocacy and educational outreach, committing to enhancing the quality of care in these critical areas. Kristy Thomson, the COO of HomeTown Health, articulated the importance of celebrating the unwavering commitment of rural hospital staff:
“The impacts of rural hospitals are highly influenced by the quality, commitment, dedication and excellence of the staff that comprise their organization.”
Award Winners Recognized for Excellence
During the conference, several outstanding professionals were awarded for their exceptional contributions to rural healthcare. The key awardees included:
- - Nurse Executive of the Year: Jack Henry, MHA, BSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Evans Memorial Hospital, was honored for his dedication to patient-centered care and excellence in nursing leadership.
- - Business Office Leader of the Year: Joy White, Revenue Cycle Manager at Wills Memorial Hospital, was recognized for her contributions to strengthening hospital operations and financial stability.
- - CFO of the Year: Will Bennett, CPA, CFO at Candler County Hospital, earned this title for his balance between fiscal responsibility and operational effectiveness.
- - Hospital Leader of the Year: Derek Rozier, CEO at Liberty Regional Medical Center, was awarded for his unwavering commitment to growth and improvement in healthcare delivery.
- - Business Partner of the Year: Avilys™, a sleep disorder company, received this award for its steadfast support of the HomeTown network, enhancing rural hospitals’ capacity to offer vital services and boosting operational sustainability.
- - Hospital of the Year: Appling Healthcare in Baxley, Georgia, stood out for its commitment to patient safety and community involvement, winning the prestigious title for its holistic approach to healthcare excellence.
Celebrating Future Leaders
In addition to the awards, the conference also marked the graduation of the Class of 2026 from the HomeTown Health Executive Leadership Development Program. This esteemed program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in rural healthcare. Among the graduates were:
- - 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
With over 200 alumni since its inception, the Executive Leadership Program continues to empower rural healthcare leaders through education and development initiatives.
Ongoing Commitment to RuralHealth
HomeTown Health has dedicated over 25 years to serving rural healthcare facilities. Through its robust membership network, it provides advocacy, education, and strategic support. Additionally, partnerships with state health departments ensure a reach that goes beyond mere service provision to empower communities
As HomeTown Health looks to the future, it continues to advocate for improved healthcare delivery, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and community involvement, ensuring that rural hospitals are not just surviving but thriving.
To learn more about HomeTown Health and its initiatives, please visit HomeTown Health and explore their online educational resources at HTHU.
Topics Health）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.