For the third consecutive year, Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, FACHE, President and CEO of Navicent Health has been included on Becker's Hospital Review’s annual list of "130 Women Hospital and Health System Leaders to Know.” The list, published since 2010, features some of the most impressive female healthcare leaders across the nation.
 
"I am honored by this recognition from Becker's Hospital Review and I am honored to work with Navicent Health's dedicated employees and physicians. Together, we are committed to pursuing excellence and kindness, keeping our patients at the center of all that we do. I am honored to serve our community with these wonderful people," said Saunders.
 
Individuals included on Becker’s list lead some of the largest and most prominent hospitals and health systems in the nation. The Becker's Hospital Review editorial team selected leaders through an editorial review process that considered a wide range of demonstrated management and leadership skills, like oversight of hospital or health system operations, financial turnarounds and quality improvement initiatives.
 
Since joining Navicent Health in September 2012, Saunders has made continuous contributions to healthcare, particularly  within the state. Her efforts to consolidate local healthcare options, collaborate with competitors and increase Georgia’s medical profile have drawn increased attention to both Saunders and Navicent Health. A few of Saunders’ notable accomplishments include:
 
·         Cofounding Stratus Healthcare, a non-equity collaboration of hospitals and health systems throughout the state who work together to increase the value of healthcare for patients, providers and payors.

·         Influencing public policy by working with Georgia’s General Assembly to ensure access to quality healthcare for Georgia’s underserved and vulnerable populations.

·         Forming partnerships with Georgia’s rural and critical access hospitals to strengthen and support their services in the changing healthcare landscape.
 
In addition to the honor that she has received from Becker’s Hospital Review, Saunders was also named the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospital’s 2014 CEO of the Year and The (Macon) Telegraph’s 2014 Person of the Year, and she was included on Georgia Trend’s 2015 listing of “100 Most Influential Georgians.”