Media Room

A report by the Lown Institute ranking the value of nonprofit hospitals’ community investment found that Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center and Wellstar Cobb Medical Center are among the top 25 hospitals in the nation providing significantly more community benefit than they are receiving in tax exemption. 

Wellstar Kennestone ranked No. 1 in Georgia, while Wellstar Cobb was No. 2. Wellstar is the only health system with two hospitals included on the national top 25 list.

As the top provider of charity care in the state and one of the top 10 providers nationwide, Wellstar is committed to bringing expert, compassionate health services to those who need them. Last year alone, uncompensated and charity care at Wellstar exceeded $1.2 billion, providing care for at-risk and underserved communities across Georgia.

In addition to Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas Medical Center, Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center, Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center, Wellstar Paulding Medical Center and Wellstar Spalding Medical Center were recognized for spending more on financial assistance and community investment than the estimated value of their tax exemptions.

Read the full report from the Lown Institute. 

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!