Becker’s Hospital Review recently released a list of 118 rural hospital and health system presidents and CEOs to know.
The leaders featured on this list are driving growth by expanding services, upgrading facilities and building skilled teams. Despite challenges like the pandemic and nationwide staffing shortages, these executives have implemented resilient strategies to keep their hospitals thriving for the long haul.
Highlands Medical Center CEO, Ashley Pool made the list. Pool brings more than 25 years of healthcare experience to her role as CEO of Highlands Medical Center. She previously led Lakeland Community Hospital in Haleyville from the brink of closure to long-term sustainability, underscoring her strength in rural hospital turnarounds. At Highlands, she has maintained Joint Commission accreditation and achieved zero hospital-acquired infections in 2023. Pool holds degrees in both nursing and healthcare management, combining clinical insight with strategic leadership. Her responsibilities span operations, financial performance and care quality, with a focus on aligning clinical priorities with business outcomes. She also serves on the Chamber of Commerce board and the board of respiratory therapy, reinforcing her investment in regional health and economic development.
Rural hospitals play a vital role in bringing high-quality care to patients in remote areas, eliminating the need for long travel while ensuring excellent healthcare access close to home. At the helm of these essential institutions are CEOs who wear many hats to keep their communities healthy and supported.
