NGHS strengthens leadership as community needs continue to grow. Published: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 As Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) continues to expand services and strengthen care across the region, it's adding four experienced leaders to help guide that growth. "These leaders bring valuable experience and a strong commitment to excellence that will help support our teams and the communities we serve," said Matt Hanley, MD, president and CEO of NGHS. "Their leadership will help ensure we continue delivering high-quality care while thoughtfully growing to meet the needs of our region." On July 27, NGHS welcomed Stephanie Jones, DNP, as its new chief nursing officer for Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Gainesville. Dr. Jones, who is also a registered nurse, most recently served as chief nursing officer at Santa Rosa Medical Center in Milton, Florida, and has more than three decades of experience in patient care, quality, operations and workforce development. Her leadership background includes roles across critical care, perioperative services, oncology, behavioral health and medical-surgical nursing. In her new role, Dr. Jones will oversee all nursing operations for NGMC Gainesville. Additionally, Barry Jenkins, MD, was named system chief medical officer for NGHS on Sept. 21. Dr. Jenkins most recently served as chief medical officer of Piedmont Healthcare's hospitals near Augusta, Georgia, overseeing clinical services for its campuses in Augusta, Summerville and Thomson. He earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, completed his general surgery residency at the Medical College of Georgia as well as a fellowship at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. In his role, Dr. Jenkins will oversee quality and safety, accreditation, research and hospital-based clinical services. Callie Andrews joined NGHS as senior vice president of its southern market and service lines on Oct. 5. Andrews most recently served as senior vice president and market president of Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center in Roswell, Georgia, and previously held leadership roles with HCA Healthcare. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and master's degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In her new role, Andrews will oversee NGHS' southern market, including NGMC Braselton and NGMC Barrow, while also leading system-wide service line development and performance across several key areas. Lastly, William Potter, MD, will join NGHS as chief medical officer of its southern market on Jan. 4 next year. Dr. Potter has been a part of Anesthesia Associates of Gainesville (AAG) since 2019 and has held several leadership roles within his practice and across NGHS since then, including chief of perioperative services for AAG, associate medical director of perioperative services at NGHS and vice chair of the Department of Anesthesia at NGHS.

NGHS' Auxiliary celebrates 75 years of service and philanthropy. Tuesday, September 29th, 2026 Northeast Georgia Health System's (NGHS) Auxiliary recently celebrated its 75th anniversary during its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, recognizing volunteers whose service has helped shape healthcare experiences for patients, families and visitors across the region. Founded in 1951 before Hall County Hospital opened its doors later that year, the Auxiliary was created by community members who wanted to support their new hospital. Today, nearly 700 volunteers serve across all five of the system's acute-care hospitals, contributing more than 117,000 hours of service this year. Since its founding, the Auxiliary has contributed more than $10.5 million to support healthcare services, capital improvements and other initiatives to enhance experiences for patients and visitors across NGHS. "For 75 years, our volunteers have consistently provided the same warm welcome and human connection that have been so important throughout our history," said Matt Hanley, president and CEO of NGHS. "Through every chapter of our organization's growth, volunteers have helped create the compassionate culture that defines NGHS today. Every hour a volunteer serves represents something much greater than a task completed - it represents a patient who felt less alone, a family member who felt supported, or a team member who was able to focus on care because a volunteer stepped in to help." The annual lunch celebration included recognition of volunteers who achieved significant service milestones. This year, NGHS recognized 183 volunteers who collectively contributed more than 117,000 hours of service. Several volunteer awards were also presented: * The 2026 Joan Kosmala Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Kaye Trivette and Bill Trivette, a husband and wife who have served more than 2,800 combined hours of service in a variety of roles including the NICU, Ronnie Green Heart Center, volunteer shuttle service and the Window Shops. * The 2026 Nell Whelchel Wiegand Patient Friend Award was presented to Lori Luders, a volunteer at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Braselton recognized for her compassionate service and commitment to helping patients, visitors and fellow volunteers feel welcome and supported. * The 2026 Marjorie Covington Smith Auxilian of the Year Award was presented to Jan Gorman, a longtime volunteer and life member of the Auxiliary who has served patients and families through roles including Emergency Department Patient Friend, shuttle driver and Mended Hearts visitor. "From the very beginning in 1951, the Auxiliary has embodied the spirit of service and generosity," said Natalie Challen, president of the NGHS Auxiliary. "For 75 years, volunteers have helped create meaningful connections with patients, families and team members while supporting our mission in countless ways. We are proud of that legacy and excited about the future of the Auxiliary."