Executives and staff members at The Medical Center, Navicent Health – formerly known as The Medical Center of Central Georgia – mourn the recent loss of Damon D. King, who served as President and CEO MCNH from 1968 to 1997. King is credited with transforming The Macon Hospital, a once ailing municipal hospital, into the nationally recognized MCNH, named one of the top 100 acute care hospitals in the United States in 1993 under King’s watch.

“Damon King not only held a title of leadership, but was a person imbued with natural qualities that caused others to follow him with vigor. Our employees continue to hold to the values and standards that he set forth during his tenure, demonstrating the strength and duration of his leadership. I was privileged to call him a friend, and he will indeed be missed,” said Peter Solomon, former Board Chairman of the Macon-Bibb County Hospital Authority.

Prior to joining MCNH in 1968, King was tremendously successful in leadership positions at various hospitals throughout Georgia. He is remembered as a dauntless pioneer.

“Damon was a pioneer in the field of hospital administration. When he chose this career path, it was a new concept. He set the standard for healthcare administrators that would follow in his footsteps, not only in Macon, but throughout the industry,” said Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, President and CEO of Navicent Health.

King assumed the helm at MCNH, then known as The Macon Hospital, during a tumultuous time when federal regulations were leading to changes in integration as well as payments through Medicaid and Medicare. When King assumed leadership at the hospital, it was on the verge of collapse. Under King’s leadership, however, the municipal hospital not only moved forward into the modern era of healthcare, but was transformed into a thriving tertiary acute-care hospital providing care to patients from well beyond Macon’s city limits. In 1994, under King’s leadership, Central Georgia Health System was incorporated in order to expand beyond MCNH’s walls and provide multiple services along the continuum of care. He was also instrumental in founding The Medcen Community Health Foundation, now known as Navicent Health Foundation, with the purpose of raising funds to be used exclusively for local charitable, medical, educational and scientific purposes.

“When Damon founded the Medcen Community Health Foundation in 1973, it was one of the first hospital foundations in Georgia. He often reminded us that we were not just fundraising, but ‘friend-raising’ and the foundation has become a force for good within the community. The foundation has robust history of supporting various hospital projects as well as local research and community education,” said Ellen Terrell, interim Chief Development Officer for Navicent Health Foundation.

Despite his valued contributions to healthcare, he is perhaps best remembered for his character.

“Damon was a man who led by example. He allowed employees to express themselves, and he listened to and valued their opinions. He supported the decisions of his leadership team. He was a man of quiet grace, commanding respect long after his retirement,” said Rhonda Perry, Chief Financial Officer for Navicent Health.

 “Mr. King did so much for this great health system, but I am particularly grateful to him for his quiet efforts to bring integration to Macon. Were it not for his perseverance in this area and the strong organizational foundation that he established, even in the face of criticism, I daresay I would not have had the opportunity to lead this hospital today, and many of our most valued employees would not have had the opportunity to provide care in this setting,” said Dr. Saunders.  

Upon retirement, King left a wonderful heritage, a regional health system fully prepared to advance into the twenty-first century of healthcare.

“As Navicent Health continues to face government reforms and a shifting healthcare landscape, we are able to look back at Damon’s leadership in a similar environment, and in so doing, his example continues to influence us,” said Starr Purdue, Chair of the Navicent Health Board of Directors. “We are grateful to Damon for his numerous contributions to healthcare and for his continued legacy at Navicent Health.”

Not only dedicated to healthcare, King was also active in community affairs, and played an active role in improving Bibb County’s infrastructure and education system. The details of his life were chronicled in his 2014 biography, All the Good by Paige Hinson. The book was released during King’s eightieth birthday celebration on September 9, 2014 at MCNH. The reception brought physicians, staff and community leaders – including Saunders and former MCNH CEO’s King and Don Faulk – together for an evening of honoring King and his legacy.