Atrium Health Navicent has named Elmer Polite as president. In this role, Polite will lead the health system's hospitals and other care sites in Central Georgia, including Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center in Macon, Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin in Milledgeville and Atrium Health Navicent Peach in Byron.

Polite brings nearly two decades of healthcare leadership experience spanning hospital operations, physician integration, strategic growth, financial performance improvement and health system transformation. He most recently served as division president for Lifepoint Health's Division I, where he provided executive oversight for 25 hospitals across 10 states.

“Elmer Polite is a collaborative and people-centered leader who has a passion for creating environments where teammates can thrive while providing exceptional patient experiences," said Delvecchio S. Finley, Atrium Health Georgia area president. "We are excited to welcome him to Atrium Health Navicent where he will continue to build on our legacy of clinical excellence and expanding access to high-quality care for patients in communities we serve across Central and South Georgia.”

Before joining Lifepoint Health, Polite held leadership roles at HCA's Coliseum Health System in Macon, East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro and Trinity Hospital of Augusta.

Polite earned bachelor’s degrees in accounting, agribusiness and economics from South Carolina State University and a master’s degree in finance from DeVry University. He is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and American College of Healthcare Executives.

He and his wife, Tonya, are proud parents of three children. The family is deeply committed to faith, family, education and community service.

Polite will begin work at Atrium Health Navicent in September.