The American Hospital Association (AHA), in partnership with the Mississippi Hospital Association (MHA), recently honored Arthur C. “Sonny” Kelly, administrator and chief executive officer of Oktibbeha County Hospital, with the Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award. As a 2008 Grassroots Champion Kelly is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of a hospital’s mission.
The Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award was created to recognize those hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect the hospital’s vital role in the community, who have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for the hospital, and is a tireless advocate for the hospital and its patients.
“Your leadership and dedication to advancing the mission of America’s hospitals has made a difference for the patients and communities we serve,” said Rich Umbdenstock, AHA president and CEO. “This special recognition acknowledges the compassion and hard work you have demonstrated as an advocate for better health and better health care in America.”
Kelly has served as an exemplary grassroots champion for health care in Mississippi. He has been actively involved in promoting the health care advocacy agenda and has enthusiastically participated in the Mississippi Hospital Association's (MHA) legislative efforts. He is a successful advocate who is able to rally his colleagues and employees to help protect health care interests on local, state and federal levels. He has provided over 30 years of service to his hospital and community, which makes him an accomplished and truly deserving leader in our industry.
He currently serves as past chairman of the MHA Board of Governors, member of the MHA Board of Directors, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Board of Directors, VHA Gulf States and Fellow American College of Healthcare Executives. Outside of work involvement, Kelly is also a member of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport Board of Commissioners, board member of the Greater Starkville Area Partnership, Roterian, Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff and the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office. In 1965, he graduated from Delta State University. Following graduation, Kelly decided to further his education at the University of Birmingham where he studied in Hospital Administration.
Kelly and his wife, Gail, have three children, Davis Kelly, Ann Marie Neave and Zak Kelly. Son, Davis, and daughter, Kelly, have also blessed them with four grandchildren.
The award is presented annually to one individual from each state. Winners are chosen by the state association and were recognized at a special Breakfast of Grassroots Champions at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting. Kelly is one of 51 individuals honored this year.