SGMC Health President and CEO Named CEO of the Year by Council on Volunteer Services/Georgia HealthCare

SGMC Health President and Chief Executive Officer Ronald E. Dean has been named CEO of the Year by the Council on Volunteer Services/Georgia HealthCare (COVS/GHC). SGMC Health's Volunteer Auxiliary presented Dean with the award, which honors his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to transforming healthcare across South Georgia.

"Mr. Dean's service to our health system has made a lasting impact on the quality of care available to our patients," said Peggy Beauvais, President of SGMC Health's Volunteer Auxiliary. "As volunteers, we are proud to recognize his contributions to our community and region."

Under Dean's guidance, SGMC Health has achieved historic milestones:

• A $15 million expansion of SGMC Health Berrien, featuring a state-of-the-art two-story emergency department.
• The reopening of Smith Northview Hospital, revitalizing care access in northern Lowndes County.
• A $150 million campus expansion of SGMC Health main, including a new women and infants' tower and emergency department at the Valdosta campus, slated for completion in 2026.

Dean's strategic focus on five pillars-access, experience, efficiency, culture, and clinical excellence-has redefined SGMC Health's regional impact. His commitment to workforce development led to a partnership with Mercer University School of Medicine, launching residency programs in internal medicine, transitional year, and family medicine. SGMC Health also serves as a clinical training site for third- and fourth-year medical students, ensuring a robust pipeline of physicians dedicated to serving South Georgia.

The health system's designation as a Level III Trauma Center and Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center further reflects Dean's commitment to comprehensive emergency care.

Dean emphasized that SGMC Health's success is a collective achievement made possible by the dedication of its physicians, clinical teams, support staff, volunteers, and the communities who entrust SGMC Health with their care. He highlighted the essential role of the Volunteer Services team, whose contributions span patient navigation, departmental support, and youth engagement. "Our volunteers have played a vital role in enhancing the patient experience and supporting care delivery across all campuses," Dean said. "I'm deeply honored to receive this recognition, especially knowing it comes from our volunteers who give so selflessly of their time and heart."

SGMC Health is the most comprehensive health system serving South Georgia and North Florida, with four hospitals across Lowndes, Berrien, and Lanier counties. The system also operates ambulance services, a cancer center, hospice, retirement and skilled nursing facilities, imaging centers, and urgent care locations.

Through strategic partnerships, facility expansions, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, SGMC Health continues to fulfill its mission: to improve the lives of all it serves. Learn more at sgmc.org.