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Article Category: Newsroom

Wellstar Executives Named 2023 Black Healthcare Leaders to Know

Published on April 21, 2023

Last updated 01:13 PM April 28, 2023

Illustration of group of people. Wellstar and Becker's Hospital Review logos.

We know what makes Wellstar special – our people. It’s evident that people outside of our organization recognize that, too. Recently, we were able to celebrate four Wellstar leaders highlighted in Becker’s 2023 Black Healthcare Leaders to Know.

When we have leaders from diverse backgrounds, we have greater insight into the lived experiences of our team members, patients and communities. We help mitigate our blind spots, grow in compassion and empathy, and build a stronger organization. This leads to more personalized care, improved patient outcomes and a more inclusive place to work.

Join us in congratulating our four recognized leaders: Le Joyce Naylor, Senior VP and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, David Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Mary Chatman, RN, PhD, Executive Vice President of Acute Care Operations and President of Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center and Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital, and Ralph Turner, Senior Vice President of Wellstar Health System and President of Wellstar Paulding Medical Center. Read their bios below.

Le Joyce Naylor: Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Wellstar Health System

Le Joyce Naylor offers systemwide thought leadership, strategic thinking and program direction for Wellstar Health System's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Her responsibilities include the design and implementation of programs to advance diversity efforts, achieving measurable outcomes and leading the health system's diversity and inclusion advisory council. Among her many accomplishments are the formation of 11 business resource groups, the recalibration of 11 diversity and inclusion councils and the implementation of Inclusion Cafés, an experience designed to enhance team member connection. She also leads efforts for team members to engage in inclusive virtual and in-person programming to advance cultural competence, humility, and personal development.

David A. Jones: Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Wellstar Health System

David A. Jones has overall responsibility for establishing, enabling, and maintaining organizational effectiveness and a positive employee and labor relations environment across Wellstar Health System. He creates and preserves positive relationships between employees and management throughout the 9-hospital system. Jones is an instrumental leader, equipping caregivers on the front lines with the resources needed to deliver world-class healthcare. Additionally, he believes that every team member should find joy in the workplace – it is his mantra. While keeping joy at the forefront of his mind, he leads critical initiatives to enhance the workplace dynamics of the more than 24,000 team members who are united around enhancing the health and well-being of every person they serve. 

Mary Chatman, RN, PhD: Executive Vice President of Acute Care Operations and President of Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center and Wellstar Windy Hill Hospital

Mary Chatman's leadership and collaborative work ethic can be seen throughout the health system. She is a seasoned leader with 32 years of healthcare experience. Having begun her career as a nursing assistant, Chatman is committed to providing patient-centered care and implementing effective operational strategies. She manages a team of more than 10,000, including finance, human resources, nursing, operations, and medical staff. A visionary leader, she led the charge for the 2020 opening of the Southeast’s largest emergency department at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, which was designed to further enhance emergency and Level II trauma care for Georgians.

Ralph Turner: Senior Vice President of Wellstar Health System and President of Wellstar Paulding Medical Center

As senior vice president of Wellstar Health System and president of Wellstar Paulding Medical Center, Ralph D. Turner serves as the operating and strategic leader of a 112-bed inpatient facility, as well as its 49-bed emergency department, Level II Trauma Center, comprehensive cardiology services, oncology care, general surgery, neuro care, orthopedics, robotics and urology, as well as an inpatient rehabilitation program and comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation. Turner is responsible for leadership and management for all aspects of operations, including financial performance, clinical quality, employee, physician and community relations. He also oversees more than 1,330 team members as they pursue Wellstar’s vision of delivering world-class care to every person, every time.  

Congratulations to our leaders!

 

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Playing it Safe Ahead of the 4th of July Holiday

As we look forward to the Fourth of July holiday, fireworks, swimming, and grilling offer plenty of fun summer activities for families across Georgia. However, it's important to be cautious with fireworks, which can quickly turn your Independence Day celebrations sour.

While public fireworks displays have safety measures in place, fireworks at home may be less safe, especially for kids. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024, with burns accounting for 37% of all emergency room visits.

Dr. Joanna Dolgoff, a Wellstar pediatrician and representative for the American Academy of Pediatrics, warns that the most common injury from fireworks is a hand burn.

“But it can be worse, such as a hand fracture, cuts or even the loss of a finger,” she said. “Facial injuries, including burns and eye injuries, are also common. If you're going to handle fireworks, please be very careful.”

Dr. Earl Stewart Jr., an internal medicine physician and medical director of health equity with Wellstar Health System, has seen many times how climate and extreme weather can impact health. He reminds families that summer celebrations can bring a range of seasonal health risks.

“We often see more water-related injuries this time of year, such as drownings, boating accidents, and even head or spine injuries from diving into shallow water,” he said. “And with Georgia’s extreme heat, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sunburns. Even surfaces like metal components of playground equipment and seat belts can cause burns after they’ve been exposed to the sun for long periods.”

Dr. Stewart also noted the importance of being mindful of summer pests and plants.

“Insect bites, allergic reactions, poison ivy, bee stings and even snake bites can quickly turn a fun day outdoors into a medical emergency. Vigilance and preparation equate to staying safe and alive,” he said.

As for sparklers, Dr. Dolgoff cautions parents not to underestimate their danger.

“Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. They account for a high percentage of injuries, emergency room visits, and fires every year. The sparks can cause burns and eye injuries.”

She also recommends soaking used sparklers in a bucket of water before discarding them.

If your family plans to participate in Fourth of July activities, remember the word FIRE with these essential safety tips:

  • Families: Never hold a lit firework in your hand or point it at another person. Children should never handle fireworks, including sparklers.
  • Injury: Only light fireworks outdoors, away from people, homes and flammable materials. Wear protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries.
  • Run Away: Move away quickly after lighting a firework. Don’t light more than one at a time and never try to re-light a dud.
  • Extinguish: Keep a bucket of water nearby to douse fireworks that don’t go off or cause a mishap. Soak both used and unused fireworks before discarding.
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Demolition Marks a New Beginning in the Heart of Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA (June 30, 2025) — Today, leaders from across the city gathered in the Old Fourth Ward to mark the beginning of a long-anticipated transformation. The ceremonial demolition at the northwest corner of the former Atlanta Medical Center site signaled the launch of BLVDNEXT, a major redevelopment that will reconnect neighborhoods and restore opportunity in the city’s core.

Spearheaded by The Integral Group, in partnership with Wellstar Health System and the City of Atlanta, BLVDNEXT represents one of the most significant private investments in the area in decades. The 22-acre site will become a mixed-use community designed for long-term value and neighborhood inclusion. Plans include a mix of housing options – both for sale and for rent – green spaces, retail, health and wellness, and amenities that serve the community and invite people in.

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“Atlanta is always growing and always changing. This redevelopment project is grounded in the values we share as a city: inclusiveness, opportunity, and respect,” said Doug Shipman, president of the Atlanta City Council. “The Integral Group and Wellstar are following through on the City’s work to determine how this site can best meet the community’s needs for future generations – affordable housing, restaurants and retail, and health and wellness. I’m looking forward to seeing this vision come to life.”

“This project is about more than the physical structures, it’s about building on the history of this place to create a future where community, connection, and opportunity thrive,” said Candice L. Saunders, President and CEO, Wellstar Health System. “Today, we want to recognize all the people who have made this a special place and who are working toward its vibrant future.”

Located between Ralph McGill Boulevard and Highland Avenue, the site lies at a pivotal point between Midtown and Downtown. Its redevelopment offers a rare opportunity to mend the urban fabric and create new connections that benefit the surrounding communities.

“BLVDNEXT represents the kind of work that cities need more of – development that begins by listening, is shaped by purpose, and delivers long-term value,” said Egbert L. J. Perry, Chairman and CEO of The Integral Group. “The project is about reconnecting a vital part of Atlanta and doing it in a way that respects both its history and its potential. For us at Integral, this is a responsibility – and an opportunity – to get it right.”

Work is already underway to develop a detailed implementation plan that builds upon the City’s prior planning and reflects the voices of residents. Redevelopment at this scale, in this location, doesn’t happen often. The property’s redevelopment is being guided by a land-use plan that had extensive community input and was approved unanimously by the Atlanta City Council with support from Mayor Andre Dickens.

Today is about making the most of that opportunity – with care, with clarity, and with a commitment to doing it right.

About BLVDNEXT

To ensure the public remains informed and engaged, the development team has launched www.BLVDNEXT.com, a dedicated website providing regular updates on project milestones, community stories, and opportunities for public feedback. The site serves as a central hub for media and residents alike, offering access to visuals, background materials, and the evolving vision for the site. It reflects the project’s commitment to transparency and to keeping community voices front and center throughout every phase of redevelopment.

About The Integral Group

The Integral Group is a 300-person company founded in 1993. Today the company has developments and investments in more than 18 U.S. cities. The Integral Group’s portfolio includes master planned, mixed use developments, as well as affordable, workforce and class “A” multi-family housing. The company’s portfolio ranges as far west as San Francisco and as far east as Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.integral-online.com.

About Wellstar Health System

Wellstar personalizes the patient experience. We call it PeopleCare and it's only possible thanks to our 33,000 team members who provide compassionate care for every stage of life. PeopleCare also means we serve our communities as a non-profit health system, providing more than $1 billion annually in charity care and other community benefits, and operating the largest integrated trauma network in the State of Georgia. We embrace innovation and technology, nurture early-stage companies through our venture firm Catalyst by Wellstar, and train future generations of caregivers with academic institutions including the Medical College of Georgia. Wellstar honors every voice, earning Newsweek's recognition as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, and one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For. To learn more, visit Wellstar.org.

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Powering Progress: Key Insights from Wellstar's Community Transformation Program

We are excited to share the results of an insightful evaluation of Wellstar’s Community Transformation Program (CTP), completed by our partner, WE Public Health. This evaluation marks an important milestone as we continue to drive meaningful community-level change through the work of the Wellstar Center for Health Equity (WCHE) and our dedicated grantees.

Each year, CTP invites local organizations in Metro Atlanta to request support for a new or existing tech-based initiative that addresses health disparities in our communities. Nineteen organizations have received grants through the program, including eight in the most recent group. To measure the impact of this program and study how Wellstar’s support has helped these organizations further their reach, we partnered with WE Public Health for an evaluation of CTP.

About WE Public Health

WE Public Health is a consulting firm focused on advancing health equity through strategic partnerships, capacity building and community engagement. Their work empowers organizations and communities to address health and social challenges with a specific focus on justice and equity.

Why Wellstar chose WE Public Health

WCHE partnered with WE Public Health to develop a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation strategy because we recognized the importance of a thorough evaluation to help understand the impact and sustainability of our CTP. The evaluation reviewed the first three groups of Community Transformation Program (CTP) grantees (2020 to 2023) to assess how effectively they improved access to medical care and social services through technology. Findings guide program improvements, support communication with stakeholders and help achieve industry recognition. 

Key evaluation domains included:
  • Program reach (partners served, demographics and counties)
  • Financial investment (technology and total funding)
  • Improved access to care and support services
  • Program sustainability post-grant
  • Impact on clients and grantee organizations
  • Uniqueness of Wellstar’s investment
  • Social return on investment

Key evaluation findings and impact

Health equity and social determinants of health

The evaluation highlighted the alignment of the CTP with Wellstar’s commitment to addressing social determinants of health, or factors that can affect a person’s well-being, including access to food, housing and transportation. Our CTP focused on six key areas identified through Wellstar's 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). WCHE launched the CTP in response to a technology equity gap identified in the assessment. The program addresses the need to improve access to medical care and social support services for vulnerable, marginalized and underserved communities.

Impressive cost avoidance and health outcomes

The evaluation also demonstrated that CTP grantees are having a significant impact on health outcomes. While the estimated reach from our program’s services exceeds 13,000 people, of those nearly 2,250 people benefited specifically from either mental and/or physical health interventions. The estimated cost avoidance from emergency department visits for these patients ranged from $225,000 to over $1 million. This not only underscores the financial impact of the program, but also reflects its success in preventing the need for emergency care.

Sustained use of technology solutions

A key aspect of the CTP was its emphasis on integrating technology solutions to enhance health services. According to the evaluation, six out of seven grantee organizations interviewed reported continuing use of the technology solutions funded through the CTP, indicating strong buy-in and long-term benefits. These positive findings reflect the success of the program in providing grantees with the resources and support to test and scale innovative solutions in a low-risk environment.

Positive experiences and strong partnerships

Grantees and partners reported positive experiences working with Wellstar team members, highlighting our emphasis on collaboration, capacity building and fostering strong relationships. The evaluation emphasized the effectiveness of Wellstar's supportive approach, which allowed grantees to explore new solutions while minimizing risks.

Guiding our growth

One of the most valuable outcomes of this evaluation was the expert guidance provided on how to strengthen and scale the program. WE Public Health offered strategic recommendations focused on deepening community partnerships, supporting long-term sustainability and enhancing evaluation practices. These insights will serve as a roadmap as we continue refining the CTP to maximize impact and equity. 

Why this matters

The findings from this evaluation affirm the transformative impact the CTP has had on both the health outcomes of individuals and the broader community. By fostering partnerships, addressing key social determinants of health and investing in sustainable technology solutions, the CTP is helping to create lasting change in the communities we serve.

As we continue to work with WE Public Health, we are excited to build upon these results and expand our efforts to address health inequities across Georgia. The partnership between Wellstar, WE Public Health and our grantees continues to serve as a model for how community-driven programs can drive sustainable improvements in health and well-being.

Learn more about WCHE. 

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