St. Mary's names new Board members

The Athens-based St. Mary’s Health Care System names 11 new members to its Board of Directors. They’ll help guide operations at St Mary’s three hospitals, facilities in Athens, Lavonia, and Greensboro.

From St Mary’s…

Trinity Health of Georgia and St. Mary’s Health Care System announce the addition of 11 new members to the Boards of Directors of Trinity Health of Georgia and St. Mary’s three acute care hospitals, effective Jan. 1. At the same time, the healthcare ministry extends its deep thanks to three community leaders for their service as they rotate off these boards.

“Members of our Boards are people from our communities who volunteer their time and talents to provide essential leadership for our healthcare ministries,” said Stonish Pierce, Trinity Health of Georgia President and CEO. “We are deeply grateful for their service and the connectedness they provide to the communities we serve.”

As these 11 community members join Boards of Directors of Trinity Health of Georgia and St. Mary’s acute care hospitals, three members are rotating off as their terms expire: Jack Brown and Dene Channell have come to the end of their terms on the Good Samaritan Hospital Board of Directors, and Ralph Johnson’s tenure is ending on the Trinity Health of Georgia and St. Mary’s Hospital boards of directors.

“I want to thank Jack, Dene and Ralph for their exemplary service during their time on our Boards,” Piece said. “They have given selflessly of their time and expertise to help our healthcare ministry fulfill our Mission to be a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities.”

Scott Hardigree worked at the family-owned apparel manufacturing business started by his father in Hartwell in 1963 before becoming president of the company in 1990. He has extensive service with many boards and civic organizations, including the Athens Technical College Advisory Board.

Jean Meyer, RN, MSN, retired in 2023 with almost 40 years of experience in nursing and hospital administration. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive for Prisma Health’s 10 acute care hospitals in South Carolina, including providing strategic and operational oversight for the system’s 8,000 nurses.

James Parks, MD, has more than 40 years of experience in pediatric medicine, pediatric cardiology and medical education with numerous organizations, including Egleston Children’s Hospital, Emory University, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. As an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and later Professor of Pediatrics and Professor of Radiology at Emory University, he was honored with Emeritus Status at The Emory University Emeritus College upon retirement.

Toby Carr works at Excelsis Public Strategies with his wife, Kellen, after serving seven years in the UGA Office of Government Relations, including as Vice President. His previous experience includes Director of Planning for the Georgia Department of Transportation, with oversight for the annual allocation of billions for critical transportation and mobility projects statewide.

Deputy Chief Harrison Daniel has served with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department since 2004 and is the department’s Operational Support Bureau Chief, overseeing criminal investigations and administrative functions.

Deputy Chief Harrison Daniel has served with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department since 2004 and is the department’s Operational Support Bureau Chief, overseeing criminal investigations and administrative functions.

Deputy Chief Harrison Daniel has served with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department since 2004 and is the department’s Operational Support Bureau Chief, overseeing criminal investigations and administrative functions.

Sister Patricia Pepitone, RSM, is a Sister Life Minister within the Sisters of Mercy, St. Mary’s Legacy Sponsors. Sister Pat has extensive experience in education, serving as a classroom teacher and principal at schools in North Carolina and Florida. As a Sister Life Minister, she oversees the service work 40-60 Sisters serving in four states and Guam, as well as their health, spiritual and housing needs.

Charles Rice is a retired Senior Public Service Associate with the University of Georgia County Extension Service and now serves as a Stephens Minister and is chair of the Stephens Ministry at Hartwell First United Methodist Church. A Sunday school teacher for 37 years, he grew up in Royston and received degrees from UGA and Clemson University.

Robert Edward Ridgway III, is an attorney with Ridgway Law in his hometown of Hartwell. He earned his juris doctor degree from the UGA School of Law and practiced briefly in Atlanta before returning to Hartwell to practice law with his father. He is active in several local service organizations and is currently chair of the City of Hartwell Recreation Authority.

James Parks, MD, has more than 40 years of experience in pediatric medicine, pediatric cardiology and medical education with numerous organizations, including Egleston Children’s Hospital, Emory University, and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. As an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and later Professor of Pediatrics and Professor of Radiology at Emory University, he was honored with Emeritus Status at The Emory University Emeritus College upon retirement.

Gary Usry currently serves as chair of the Greene County Board of Commissioners. He has owned and operated Greensboro Tire Pros for over 40 years and served as a Greensboro City Councilmember for 11 years. His community service includes Greene County Recreational Board, Tri-County Gas Authority Board, and the Downtown Development Authority Board.

©2024 Cox Media Group