Mississippi Healthcare Executives

Forrest General Hospital executive earns top healthcare management credential

John Flock, Vice President of Support Services at Forrest General, recently achieved Fellow status with the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Immediate Release
February 20, 2008

HATTIESBURG- John Flock, FACHE, Vice President of Support Services at Forrest General Hospital, recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders.

Flock, who has 25 years experience in the field of healthcare, has been with Forrest General for 11 years. In his role as Vice President of Support Services, Flock oversees several areas of hospital operations, including the laboratory, dietary area, construction and public safety. Mr. Flock is also the administrator for the areas of master facility planning and site planning.

“Because healthcare management ultimately affects the people in our communities, it is critically important to have a standard of excellence promoted by a professional organization,” says Thomas C. Dolan, Ph.D., FACHE, CAE, president and chief executive officer of ACHE. “By becoming an ACHE Fellow and simultaneously earning board certification from ACHE, healthcare leaders can show that they are committed to providing high-quality service to their patients and community.”

Fellow status represents achievement of the highest standard of professional development. In fact, only 7,500 healthcare executives hold this distinction. To obtain Fellow status, candidates must fulfill multiple requirements, including passing a comprehensive examination, meeting academic and experiential criteria, earning continuing education credits and demonstrating professional/community involvement. Fellows are also committed to ongoing professional development and undergo recertification every three years. Forrest General Hospital is privileged to use the FACHE credential, which signifies board certification in healthcare management and ACHE Fellow status.

McCullough Earns Top Healthcare Management Credential

For Immediate Release
December 11, 2007

Jackson, MS – Carol Beck McCullough, CNO, chief nursing officer at Central Mississippi Medical Center, recently advanced to Fellow status in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), an international professional society of 30,000 healthcare executives.

Fellow status is the highest level of professional achievement in ACHE. The “FACHE” designation indicates board certification in healthcare management and ACHE Fellow status. In fact, only 3,300 healthcare executives hold this distinction.

To obtain Fellow status, candidates must demonstrate their education, experience and leadership in the healthcare field for five years and serve a 3-year tenure as a Diplomat in good standing. They must complete 40-hours of continuing education within the previous 5 years and show evidence of two examples of participation and leadership in healthcare and two examples of participation in community/civic affairs. Successful completion of the Board of Governors Examination is also required.

McCullough has acquired over thirty years of nursing experience. Prior to becoming CNO at Central Mississippi Medical Center, McCullough served as the CNE at Methodist Hospital in New Orleans, La.

McCullough attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C., where she obtained a Masters Degree in Nursing. She began her nursing career by serving the United States Navy Nurse Corps as a Lieutenant JG. She has served as a staff nurse at Beaufort Memorial Hospital in S.C., teaching associate at the University of South Carolina and as director of nursing for Charleston County Hospital in Charleston, S.C.

St. Dominic’s President Receives ACHE Regent's Award Senior-Level Healthcare Executive of the Year

Jackson, MS – The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) recently presented St. Dominic Hospital President Claude Harbarger with its highest honor, the 2007 Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award.

Harbarger received the award during the Mississippi Hospital Association’s 76th Annual Leadership Conference. Board certified in healthcare management, Harbarger is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). He served for several years as a member of the organization’s Board of Governors as a representative of several southeastern states and Puerto Rico.

The ACHE Regent’s Award is presented annually to a health care executive with more than 20 years of healthcare experience. It recognizes Harbarger for his “significant contributions toward the achievement of the goals of the ACHE and the advancement of healthcare management excellence.”

Harbarger was named President of St. Dominic’s in 1991 after joining the hospital in 1987 as Senior Vice President-Professional Services. Prior to joining St. Dominic’s, Harbarger obtained healthcare experience at hospitals in Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. He received a Master of Science degree in Hospital and Health Administration from the University of Alabama in Birmingham after earning a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Auburn University.

Baptist Health Systems Executive Vice President Advances to American College of Healthcare Executives Fellow

For Immediate Release
September 4, 2007

Jackson, Miss – Baptist Health Systems Executive Vice President C. Gerald Cotton has received Fellow status at the American College of Healthcare Executives. This achievement demonstrates high standards of professional development, excellence and leadership as a healthcare executive and is board certified in healthcare management.

Cotton has been employed with Baptist since 1989 and assumed his present position in 1997. He has over 40 years of experience in the hospital industry. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Mississippi State University and a Masters degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Healthcare Administration.

Larkin Kennedy Receives ACHE Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award

Larkin Kennedy, chief executive officer for Baptist Memorial Hospital in Booneville, MS, received the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award on Friday, June 29th, during the ACHE Breakfast held at the Mississippi Hospital Association’s 76th Annual Leadership Conference in Point Clear, AL.

The award was bestowed on Kennedy by Mississippi Healthcare Executives, an independent chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. The Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award recognizes ACHE affiliates who have significantly contributed toward the advancement of health care management excellence and the achievement of the goals of ACHE.

Affiliates are evaluated on leadership ability, innovative and creative management, executive capability in developing their own organization and promoting its growth and stature in the community, participation in local, state, or provincial hospital and health association activities, participation in civic/community activities and projects, participation in ACHE activities, and interest in assisting ACHE in achieving its objectives.

Jim Ainsworth, vice president of regional operations for Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, described Kennedy as “a diamond being polished.” Kennedy has served as chief executive officer for Baptist Memorial Hospital-Booneville since 2006. Prior to this, he has also served as assistant administrator for Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi from 2004-2006 and Groner Administrative Fellow for Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation in Memphis, TN, from 2003-2004.

Kennedy holds affiliate status in the ACHE, demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence. He has been very active in the community, holding membership with the United Way Fund Distribution Committee of Oxford, Rotary Club International of Booneville and Lion’s Club International of Oxford. He is also a member of North Mississippi Chrysalis/Crossroads Board of Directors and a counselor for Baptist Trinity Camp Good Grief.

Kennedy received his BBA in May of 2001 from Mississippi State University and his MBA (2003) and MHA (2004) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Larkin Kennedy and his wife, Jenny Ruth Green Kennedy, reside in Booneville, MS.

Allen Meadows, Forrest General Hospital Administrator, Earns Fellowship

Immediate Release

July 26, 2006

Forrest General Hospital Administrator Earns Fellowship

HATTIESBURG - Forrest General Hospital’s Vice President of Business Development, Allen Meadows, recently completed the requirements for fellowship status in the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). Meadows successfully passed a day-long verbal and written examination in Chicago, met the annual continuing education requirements, and completed a year-long mentorship with a graduate student from the USM MPH/MBA dual degree program. 

“Attaining this highest status in our professional society is a testament to Allen’s important contributions to excellence in healthcare management,” said Edward L. Foster, ACHE Regent and President of Mississippi Hospital Association Solutions, Inc.

Meadows’ duties at FGH include strategic and business planning, marketing, insurance operations, and fund development as well as oversight of Highland Community Hospital in Picayune and Walthall Community Hospital in Tylertown. 

Meadows joined FGH in 1998, moving from Atlanta where he worked for the Georgia Division of Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). He has over 20 years of hospital experience, and holds masters degrees in hospital administration and in communications. Meadows and his wife reside in Hattiesburg in Forrest County. 

Contact:

Sara Peterson
Public Relations Specialist

601-288-1303

speterson@forrestgeneral.com

James G. Chastain, CHE Receives ACHE Regent's Award Senior-Level Healthcare Executive of the Year

James G. (Bo) Chastain, CHE, Director of Mississippi State Hospital (MSH) located in Whitfield, Miss, received the American College of Healthcare Executives Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award on Friday, June 30, at the ACHE Breakfast held at the Mississippi Hospital Association’s 75th Annual Leadership Conference in Birmingham, Ala.

The award was bestowed on Chastain by the Mississippi Healthcare Executives, an independent chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. The Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award recognizes ACHE affiliates who are experienced in the field and have significantly contributed to the advancement of healthcare management excellence and the achievement of the goals of ACHE.

Affiliates are evaluated on leadership ability, innovative and creative management, executive capability in developing their own organization and promoting its growth and stature in the community, contributions to the development of others in the healthcare profession, leadership in local, state, or provincial hospital and health association activities, participation in civic/community activities and projects, and participation in College activities and interest in assisting the College in achieving its objectives.

Chastain has served as director of Mississippi State Hospital (MSH) since 1993. He joined the hospital in 1990 as the assistant director of communications then transferred to the hospital’s Jaquith Nursing Home where he worked as an administrator. In May 1991, was promoted to personnel director at sister Department of Mental Health facility East Mississippi State Hospital in Meridian, a position he held until his appointment as director of MSH.

Board certified in healthcare management, Chastain holds Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE) and Diplomate status in the American College of Healthcare Executives, demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence. He is working toward Fellow status. Chastain is a very active member of the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA), currently serving as president of MHA’s Society of Behavioral Health Services, a member it Board of Governors and as a member of MHA’s Finance Committee. Chastain also serves on the Southern States Psychiatric Hospital Association Board of Directors and the Mental Health Association of the Capital Area Board of Directors. He is a member of the American Hospital Association Section for Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Services Governing Council and an alternate delegate for the American Hospital Association Regional Policy 4 Board. Chastain is also a past recipient of the Bradley A. Sanders Service Award.

Chastain received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University, Starkville, Miss., in 1982 and his MBA from the Else School of Management at Millsaps College, Jackson, Miss., in 1990.

Bo Chastain and his wife, Connie, have two children, Charlie and Anna Claire.

Michael P. Adcock Receives ACHE Regent’s Award - Early Career Healthcare Executive of the Year

 

Michael P. Adcock, Assistant Hospital Administrator for the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMC) located in Jackson, MS, received the American College of Healthcare Executives Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award on Friday, June 30th at the ACHE Breakfast held at the Mississippi Hospital Association’s 75th Annual Leadership Conference in Birmingham, AL.

The award was bestowed on Adcock by the Mississippi Healthcare Executives, an Independent Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. The Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award recognizes ACHE affiliates who have significantly contributed toward the advancement of healthcare management excellence and the achievement of the goals of ACHE.

Affiliates are evaluated on leadership ability, innovative and creative management, executive capability in developing their own organization and promoting its growth and stature in the community, participation in local, state, or provincial hospital and health association activities, participation in civic/community activities and projects, and participation in College activities and interest in assisting the College in achieving its objectives.

Adcock has served as Assistant Hospital Administrator for the University of Mississippi Medical Center since 2003. Prior to this, he has also served as Executive Nurse Fellow; Clinic Registered Nurse and Registered Nurse, 1998-2003 for UMC.

Adcock holds affiliate status in the American College of Healthcare Executives, demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence. He also served on the Regents Advisor Council for the Mississippi Healthcare Executives from 2005 – 2006.  Adcock has been very active in the Mississippi Nurses Association, holding positions as District 13 President and Vice President on the Board of Directors for the state association.  He also served as Treasurer for the Theta Beta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, the honor society for nursing.  Community activity includes serving on the Board of Trustees at St. Marks United Methodist Church.  In his role as Assistant Administrator he has leadership responsibility for approximately 350 employees and budgetary oversight for $49 million in staffing, contractual and commodities. 

Adcock received both his BSN, August 2000, and his MSN, May 2003, from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Edward L. Foster, CHE wins Best Regent Newsletter Award

Congratulations to Eddie Foster for winning the Best Regent Newsletter Award. It is stated that Foster has made an impact to readers with his unique, humorous yet educational viewpoints on ACHE, chapter and current events of interest to area affiliates. He was commended for highlighting in his newsletter "lessons learned" by healthcare executives struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The article provided readers with an insiders' perspective of the disaster while still allowing the readers to see the positive outcomes that have developed. Eddie Foster is a great asset to the Mississippi Chapter as well as the national American College of Heathcare Executives.

Swartzfager receives ACHE Presidential Plaque of Leadership

Trace Swartzfager, vice president of behavioral health services at St. Dominic–Jackson Memorial Hospital, recently received the Presidential Plaque of Leadership for his term as 2005 President of the Mississippi Healthcare Executives. The organization is an independent chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), an international professional society of 30,000 health care executives who lead hospitals, health care systems and other health care organizations. The association is known for its prestigious credentialing, educational programs and annual Congress on Healthcare Leadership, which draws more than 4,000 participants each year.

Swartzfager was also named recipient of Mississippi Regent’s “Early Career Healthcare Executives Award” within the ACHE in 2002, the same year he was advanced to Fellow in that organization. Swartzfager has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems, past president of the MHA Behavioral Health Society, a member of the Mississippi ACHE Regent’s Advisory Committee and was recognized as one of the “Top 40 Under 40” in the 2003 Mississippi Business Journal. He is currently serving on a national committee for ACHE.

In 1987, Swartzfager received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Mississippi and went on to obtain his Master’s of Business Administration at Mississippi College in 1993. He was raised in Laurel, MS and now resides in Ridgeland, MS, with his wife, Debbie and two children, Sam and Lauren. They attend St. James Episcopal Church in Jackson, MS.

Mike Zieman, ACHE’s 2006 President, presented the plaque to Mr. Swartzfager and thanked him sincerely for a great job as president and as a role model for his chapter. Swartzfager has been at St. Dominic’s for 10 years and has been a member of ACHE for 12 years.