Gray named president of Red Bay, Helen Keller hospitals
SHEFFIELD — Red Bay hospital will soon be under new leadership as Jeremy Gray, who has been hired as the new president of the Franklin County facility.
Gray was named president of Red Bay and Helen Keller hospitals on July 8 by officials with Huntsville Hospital Health Systems – the parent company of both institutions. He will begin new role on Aug. 3.
With more than 25 years of health care experience under his belt, Gray enters his new role after leading hospital operations at St. Thomas Hospital Midtown in Tennessee. He has also served in various roles in medical centers throughout Georgia and South Carolina over the course of his career.
A graduate of the University of South Alabama, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in physical therapy, Gray began his health care career at University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. He later obtained a Master of Science in health administration from UAB.
Gray signified the honor that comes with being named to the position while indicating his excitement to becoming a member of the Franklin County community.
“Red Bay Hospital has a long tradition of serving the people of Franklin County, and I am honored to have the opportunity to be part of its future,” Gray said via statement. “Rural hospitals play a vital role in the health and well-being of the communities they serve, and I am committed to working alongside our employees, physicians, and community leaders to strengthen the care we provide and ensure Red Bay Hospital continues to be a trusted source of high-quality healthcare for generations to come.” In a statement of his own, Huntsville Hospital Health Systems Executive Vice President Sam Dean touted Gray’s experience and leadership approach.
“Jeremy stood out for both his experience and his leadership approach,” Dean’s statement reads. “He has led complex health care operations, strengthened performance, expanded services, and built strong relationships with physicians and employees. That combination of operational experience and relationship-driven leadership will support Red Bay’s continued success as a trusted community hospital.”
Gray will take over for former president Kyle Buchanan, who was chosen for a same role at Crestwood Medical Center in Huntsville earlier this year.
Sherry Sands has served as interim president followingBuchanan’s departure. She will return to her role as vice president of patient services and chief nursing officer upon Gray’s start date.