Lifepoint Health has named CEOs of 2 hospitals, and more | MED MOVES

Two new leaders are taking over hospitals operated by Lifepoint Health.

Brian Sims, left, and Scott Avery

Brian Sims has been named the new chief executive officer of Lourdes Health in Pasco, Washington. Sims began in the new role on Aug. 18.

He brings more than 17 years of healthcare leadership experience.

Sims most recently served as CEO of Lucas County Health Center in Iowa. Prior to that, he served as president and CEO of Good Shepherd Health Care System in Hermiston, Oregon.

“I’m honored to join Lourdes Health and be part of an organization that’s committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care,” Sims said in a statement. “I look forward to working with our teams to support our patients, strengthen our services and serve the Tri-Cities community.”

Scott Avery has been appointed CEO of Canyon Vista Medical Center in Arizona. He had been serving in an interim capacity since June and took the post on a permanent basis Aug. 18. He has more than 27 years of leadership in healthcare.

Avery served as chief operating officer at Paris Regional Health in Paris, Texas, for nearly eight years. He has also served as interim CEO at Willamette Valley Medical Center in Oregon.

Prior to joining Lifepoint in 2017, Avery spent 30 years in the military. He served as the Commander of Martin Army Community Hospital at Fort Benning, Georgia.

“I am honored to continue serving the Canyon Vista team in this new capacity,” Avery said in a statement. “This hospital plays an important role in the health of this region, and I look forward to working with our talented staff and physicians to ensure we continue delivering safe, compassionate care to every patient we serve.”

Scott Turner

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta hires new COO

Scott Turner has taken on a new role as chief operating officer of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Turner began in the post Aug. 4. He brings more than 28 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including 18 years in pediatrics.

Previously, Turner served as president and chief operating officer of Children’s Wisconsin. During his tenure, he oversaw a $385 million project to improve the system’s Milwaukee campus.

Donna Hyland, chief executive officer of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, said the system is fortunate to have Turner and the “specialized expertise he will bring to our system.”

“We are committed to maintaining a strong leadership team to support our staff and positively impact the lives of our patients. Scott is a great fit for helping us achieve this goal,” Hyland said in a statement.

Turner will report to Hyland. He succeeds Ronald Frieson, who will retire at the end of 2026. Frieson had served as COO since 2020 and has been with the organization for 17 years.

Amy Townsend

Research College of Nursing names president

Amy Townsend has been named president of the Research College of Nursing in Kansas City, Missouri.

The college is affiliated with Research Medical Center, part of HCA Midwest Health. The school has more than 160 students in its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Townsend possesses more than a decade of leadership experience in healthcare education. Most recently, she served as president of Cox College in Springfield, Missouri.

HCA Midwest Health is in the midst of building a new Center for Clinical Advancement on the Research Medical Center campus. The $36.5 million facility is slated to open in early 2026.

“It is an incredible honor to join Research College of Nursing at such a transformational time,” Townsend said in a statement.

“RCoN has a long-standing legacy of excellence in nursing education, and I look forward to building on that foundation to prepare students for the evolving demands of healthcare,” she said. “Together with our dedicated faculty, staff, and community partners, we will continue advancing academic innovation, supporting student success, and empowering the next generation of nurses to lead with purpose and compassion.”

Brian Zimmerman

Ohio hospital system names new CFO

Brian Zimmerman has been tapped to serve as the new chief financial officer of Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus, Ohio.

Zimmerman took the post on August 10. He succeeds Andy Priday, who is now serving as vice president of financial operations for Trinity Health, Mount Carmel’s parent company.

Zimmerman possesses more than 18 years of experience in healthcare finance. He previously served as senior director of finance at Mount Carmel Health System, and he also served as controller at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of chief financial officer,” Zimmerman said in a statement. “Having grown within this health system, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, resilience, and innovation that drives our success. I’m excited to continue working alongside such a talented team.”

Mount Carmel Health System operates five hospitals and a host of other healthcare locations in central Ohio.