Effective immediately, Mike Howard has taken on the role of market President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for both North Alabama Medical Center (NAMC) and North Alabama Shoals Hospital (NASH), institutions that are part of the Lifepoint Health network. Howard, who previously served as the chief operating officer of NAMC from 2015 until 2022, has been acting as the interim CEO since September. His extensive familiarity with both the facilities and the surrounding community positions him well for this leadership role.
With nearly three decades of experience in healthcare leadership, Howard has consistently demonstrated his ability to enhance operational efficiency and cultivate robust organizational cultures. His tenure has been marked by significant improvements in the quality of care provided, as evidenced by higher quality ratings and better patient safety scores. Furthermore, his efforts have led to increased staff engagement, contributing to a healthier work environment.
Howard is recognized for his talent in fostering innovation, building collaborative and effective teams, and achieving impactful results that benefit both community health and patient care. His commitment to community engagement is evident through his active participation with various professional and civic organizations, including the American Heart Association, YMCA, and Rotary Club. This involvement underscores his dedication to nurturing lasting relationships within the community.
North Alabama Medical Center, which opened in 2018, replaced Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence, Alabama. This regional facility boasts a staff of over 200 physicians across more than 42 medical specialties. The 263-bed hospital offers a comprehensive array of medical and imaging services, along with specialized women’s and children’s services, and it is the only location in the area that provides open-heart surgery.