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Posted: 08-Apr-26
Location: Valdosta, Georgia
Type: Full Time
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Internal Number: SGMC-COO
South Georgia Medical Center
Valdosta, Georgia
Coker Group has been retained
The Organization
South Georgia Medical Center (SGMC) is a 285-bed, locally governed, not-for-profit healthcare system serving Valdosta and the surrounding communities of Lowndes County in South Georgia. Originally opened in 1955 as Pineview General Hospital, SGMC has grown into a leading regional provider of comprehensive healthcare services.
As one of two hospital providers in the Valdosta market, SGMC plays a critical role in delivering high-quality, accessible care to a growing regional population. The organization maintains a strong commitment to community-based healthcare, clinical excellence, and patient-centered service.
The Opportunity
South Georgia Medical Center seeks an accomplished Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as a key member of the executive leadership team and partner closely with the Chief Executive Officer in driving operational excellence across the organization.
The COO will provide strategic and operational leadership for hospital operations and service delivery, ensuring the organization maintains high standards of quality, efficiency, and patient experience while supporting continued growth and innovation.
This role presents an opportunity for a dynamic healthcare executive to influence operational strategy within a respected community-based health system that has deep regional roots and strong community trust.
Key Responsibilities
The COO will oversee operational performance across major service areas and support functions while aligning operational initiatives with the organization’s strategic goals.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Leading day-to-day hospital operations and ensuring alignment with organizational strategy and performance goals.
- Driving operational excellence, service line growth, and performance improvement initiatives.
- Partnering with clinical and physician leadership to strengthen quality outcomes, patient safety, and patient satisfaction.
- Overseeing operational planning, facility utilization, and service development initiatives.
- Supporting financial performance through effective operational management and resource utilization.
- Ensuring compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and healthcare industry standards.
Building strong internal leadership teams and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will be a strategic and operationally focused healthcare executive with demonstrated experience in hospital operations and a track record of leading complex healthcare organizations.
Key qualifications include:
- Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or a related field required.
- 10+ years of progressive healthcare leadership experience, including senior operational leadership roles.
- Experience in acute care hospital operations, ideally within community or regional health systems.
- Demonstrated ability to lead operational transformation and performance improvement initiatives.
- Strong partnership capabilities with physicians, clinical leaders, and governing boards.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
Community
Valdosta, Georgia offers a vibrant and welcoming community with a strong regional economy, excellent schools, and convenient access to Florida and coastal Georgia. The area provides a high quality of life with a combination of small-city charm and regional economic vitality.
For more information, please email: Richard Ballard rballard@cokergroup.com
