Longtime hospital board chairman, Owen Herrin, retires

Owen Herrin, longtime chairman of the Memorial Satilla Health Board of Trustees, presided over his final meeting last week. Herrin has served on the hospital board for 25 years, and as acting chairman since 2007.

The board presented Herrin with a plaque for his years of service. Memorial Satilla’s board room will also be renamed in Herrin’s honor.

“Owen’s leadership and guidance have been instrumental in shaping our hospital’s success over the years,” said CEO Dale Neely. “We are incredibly grateful for his dedication and service.”

Neely also thanked Herrin for introducing him to community leaders when he took over as CEO last year.

“It’s been a pleasure,” Herrin said.

Herrin has served as a community advocate for the hospital first as a member of the Board of Satilla Health Services, then Satilla Regional Medical Center. He helped guide the hospital through its transition to ownership by Mayo Health System in 2012 and again in 2017 to HCA Healthcare.

Pictured (l-r): Back row - Chief Operating Officer Chris Kovacs, Board member Will Higginson Jr., Board member and incoming chairman Dr. James Dye, Chief Nursing Executive - South Atlantic Division Dr. Nina Evans, Board Chairman Owen Herrin, Jr, Board member Barbara Miller, CEO Dale Neely, Chief Medical Officer - South Atlantic Division Dr. John Lazenby. Front row - Medical Staff President Dr. Roberto Lopez-Vega, Chief Nursing Officer Celeste Brizzee.