Brian Baumgardner has been named Chief Executive Officer of LewisGale Regional Health System, effective November 14.
“Brian has been recognized for his outstanding accomplishments throughout his career at HCA,” said Tim McManus, President of HCA’s Capital Division headquartered in Richmond. “His experience will be pivotal as LewisGale continues to add new services and locations to better serve communities throughout Southwest Virginia.”
Baumgardner will serve as the market leader for LewisGale Medical Center, LewisGale Hospital Montgomery, LewisGale Hospital Alleghany, and LewisGale Hospital Pulaski. He comes to Virginia from HCA’s West Florida Hospital in Pensacola where he served for the last four years as the President and CEO. Under his guidance, the hospital achieved numerous recognitions including being named a 100 Top Hospital by Truven Health Analytics in 2015; named by the Joint Commission as a Top Performer in six Key Quality Measures for four consecutive years, named as the NAACP 2013 Industry of the Year; and for achieving additional recognitions related to its cardiovascular program.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to join LewisGale Regional Health System,” said Baumgardner. “LewisGale has a long-standing reputation of being the healthcare provider of choice for thousands of patients in Southwest Virginia and is known throughout HCA for its commitment to compassionate, high-quality care. I have already met several LewisGale-affiliated physicians, board members and senior leadership members, and it is evident that the LewisGale team is made up of individuals whose passion and lifelong calling is to care for others in need.
“My wife and I are also looking forward to making the Roanoke Valley our home. This is a beautiful part of the country and the quality of life appears to be second to none.”
“We are equally as excited to have someone of Brian’s caliber join LewisGale,” said Bob Archer, chairman of LewisGale’s Board of Trustees and president of Blue Ridge Beverage. “We are very fortunate to have had several excellent candidates for this position, and Brian’s experience and expertise is a perfect fit for our health system. Equally important, it is evident that Brian places a significant emphasis on creating a culture of open, transparent communication, as well as teamwork.”
Nelson Geene, MD, a pulmonologist with LewisGale Physicians and physician board of trustee member echoed those same sentiments. “Brian conveyed his commitment to a leadership style that engages our medical staff, particularly with decisions that impact our ability to deliver the very best care to patients. His accomplishments and expertise also align perfectly with LewisGale’s mission and growth goals.”
Prior to West Florida Hospital, Baumgardner served in the Chief Executive role at Gulf Coast Medical Center from 2008. He was instrumental in the growth of Gulf Coast Medical Center, most notably the development of a new Pediatric Emergency Room, an interventional PCI program and a robotic surgery program focused on gynecology, urology, pediatrics and general surgery.
Baumgardner received his Bachelor of Science, a Master’s of Business Administration and a Master of Health Science from the University of Florida. He currently serves on the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Pensacola State College Foundation Board of Directors, among others.
He and his wife will be relocating to the Roanoke Valley over the next month.
