Atrium Health Navicent Peach CEO Laura Gentry and Monroe County Hospital CEO
Lorraine Smith have been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 80 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know in 2023 list. Two of
three recognized leaders from Georgia, Gentry and Smith were also included in 2022 on the list which features rural
hospital chief executive officers who work tirelessly to ensure their communities have access to the best health care
services possible. While rural hospitals across the country have faced closure in recent years, these leaders have
developed a model for not only surviving, but thriving.
“Atrium Health Navicent is working daily to expand health equity and improve access to health care by bringing services
close to home for patients in rural communities, such as Peach and Monroe counties. These talented leaders are at the
forefront of that work, and it’s an honor that they should be named to this list two years in a row,” said Atrium Health
Navicent President Delvecchio Finley. “Thanks to Becker’s Hospital Review for recognizing Laura and Lorraine for all
they’re doing to improve health and wellness, elevate hope and advance healing for ALL.”
Gentry joined Atrium Health Navicent in 2015 as chief nursing officer at Atrium Health Navicent Peach and became chief
executive officer of the facility in March 2018. She oversees all aspects of the hospital, including managing the hospital’s
budget, supervising employee engagement, meeting and exceeding quality and patient satisfaction benchmarks, handling
contract negotiations and facilitating work for certifications and accreditations. Gentry is also responsible for Primary Care
Fort Valley Rural Health Clinic. Under her leadership, the hospital has expanded outpatient lab and radiology services and
seen growth in patient visits. In addition to her work in health care, Gentry serves on the executive committee of the Board
of Trustees of Central Georgia Technical College Foundation. She began her career in health care as a registered nurse.
Smith has served as chief executive officer of Monroe County Hospital, an Atrium Health Navicent partner, since February
2018. She works closely with the hospital’s board and leaders to focus on the strategic direction, financial and operational
strength, quality, and the patient experience. Under her leadership the hospital has expanded clinical service lines
resulting in overall increased patient volumes and revenue, increased philanthropic support, obtained ISO 9001 quality
certification, and completed hospital renovations including an emergency department expansion. Smith serves on multiple
community boards and has received her board certification in health care management from the American College of
Healthcare Executives. In addition to her work in health care, Smith serves as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve for
over 25 years. She is currently the 8th Medical Brigade Command Sergeant Major.
Becker’s Hospital review is a source of news and information for health care decision-makers. In addition to a print
magazine, Becker’s Hospital Review publishes an e-newsletter with 1 million subscribers and has 3.5 million monthly
visitors on its website.