Gardner leaving NE Ga. Medical Center

GAINESVILLE - Jim Gardner, President and CEO of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS), announced Monday that he will be leaving NGHS, according to Mary Lynn Coyle, Chairman of the Northeast Georgia Health System Board. She announced that Carol Burrell, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of NGHS is being named interim CEO.

"I have been carefully considering the needs of Northeast Georgia Health System (NGHS) for the past year and in particular since final CON approval in October to build a new Braselton Campus. This reality has weighed heavily on my mind for several months," said Gardner. "At age 53, my professional curiosity drives me to explore the challenge of working with another organization that isn't as prepared for the future as NGHS. It's what I enjoy, and it's what brings passion to my work-and subsequently, why I have made the decision to leave NGHS at this time," he continued.

Gardner said that he and his wife, Judy, are part of the nation's "sandwich generation" and referenced responsibilities of dealing with aging parents and health issues of other family members. "We also have young adult children who are at transition times in their lives, including one who will soon be deployed to Afghanistan. My leaving now will also provide me the opportunity for focused time with my family," said Gardner.

Gardner joined NGHS in March 2004, to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of longtime CEO John A. Ferguson. Gardner came with a 20-year history of executive leadership in health systems that spanned the country. "Being invited to Gainesville and working for Northeast Georgia Health System will always be a cherished time to me. I can leave this great organization now knowing that it, and the development of the Braselton campus, are in the hands of an outstanding board and leadership team, who have the privilege of working with an exceptional medical staff, a second-to-none employee staff and an invaluable group of volunteers. I have been CEO of NGHS for seven years; together, we have accomplished a lot as a team," said Gardner

"Recent state and national accomplishments affirm the full impact that can be realized when an organization is team focused and committed to a common community goal. Our exceptional health system is evidence of a strong leadership team that has brought to fruition a vision that could not have been achieved without an unwavering team effort and support from all parts of our medical community," said Coyle.

Gardner agreed with Coyle, saying "Perhaps the greatest testaments to this teamwork is our recognition as a Top 100 Hospital in the nation this year as well as our sustained high quality cardiac services as recognized by Health Grades six consecutive years. The Braselton CON
represents the next evolution of the healthcare system and a promising opportunity to turn a bold eye to the future."

"My personal goals for NGHS are accomplished, and my decision to leave fits the system's organizational needs for the future, including the commitment required to see development of the Braselton hospital through to its full potential," said Gardner. He voiced confidence in the leadership that remains, which he said "is more than capable of leading the next wave of success given the strong platform that has already been developed." Gardner said that he is pleased with the decision to name Carol Burrell as the interim CEO.


Burrell joined the senior management team more than a decade ago. In November of 2004, Gardner promoted her to Chief Operating Officer, and he said "she has been in the forefront of many of our successes." Gardner also said that Burrell has been the steward of day to day operations of the Medical Center, including the completion of the North Patient Tower-the most ambitious facility construction project in the history of this region. "Carol's keen eye on operational excellence has ensured that the organization has operated in a financially sound manner, generating the funds necessary for reinvestment in new services," said Gardner. Coyle pointed out that this was accomplished while the organization has been ranked nationally in the top quartile of patient satisfaction. Most recently, the Medical Center was recognized by Georgia Trend as one of the ten best places to work in Georgia.

"I thank everyone, from the board room to the front lines, and especially the good friends made along the way, for their support, passion for greatness, and commitment to serving this great community in such exemplary fashion," Gardner concluded.