ATLANTA – Appling Healthcare Trustee Lee Lewis was appointed to serve on the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) Board of Trustees’ Executive Committee as the Governing Board Representative on July 11 by GHA Chair Scott Steiner, President and CEO of Phoebe Putney Health System. This prestigious appointment is a powerful reflection of Appling Healthcare’s leadership, values, and continued commitment to advancing rural healthcare in Georgia.
Lewis has served as a GHA Board member since Dec. 2023.
“Lee Lewis exemplifies the kind of steadfast leadership and service that strengthens rural healthcare,” said Shannah Martin, CEO of Appling Healthcare. “His appointment to the GHA Board’s Executive Committee is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the integrity, insight, and deep community commitment. We are proud to have him representing Appling Healthcare and rural hospitals across Georgia at the state level.”
“Lee Lewis’ community involvement and commitment to enhancing the wellness of Georgians have been evident during his service on our Board,” said Caylee Noggle, President and CEO of GHA. “Our Executive Committee will benefit from his strong leadership and guidance as we work together to preserve and enhance access to high-quality care across the state.”
“It is an honor to serve on the Georgia Hospital Association Board of Trustees,” said Lee Lewis. “GHA plays a vital role in advocating for healthcare systems throughout Georgia, and I am committed to contributing meaningfully to its mission. I hope to be a valuable asset to GHA and to hospitals across our great state.”
Lewis serves as chairman of the Coastal Pines Technical College Board, chairman of the Appling County Hospital Authority, executive board member for the Coastal Georgia Council BSA, and treasurer of the Appling County Tourism Board. He previously served as County Manager for Appling County.
As the city market executive and senior vice president for Pineland Bank in Baxley, Lewis oversees all branch operations in Baxley, including retail and commercial as well as loans and deposits. He has served in this role for nearly six years and is also a commercial lender. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.
This appointment amplifies Appling Healthcare’s voice in statewide conversations that directly impact the communities it serves. As a trusted provider of compassionate, high-quality care in Southeast Georgia, Appling Healthcare remains committed to advocating for accessible healthcare solutions in rural areas.
About Appling Healthcare
Appling Healthcare has proudly served the residents of Baxley and surrounding communities for more than 70 years, delivering high-quality, compassionate care with a small-town heart. Established in 1951, the organization has grown into a comprehensive healthcare system offering a wide range of services including emergency care, general surgery, primary and pediatric care, inpatient and outpatient therapy, behavioral health, and a 101-bed skilled nursing facility. As a nonprofit acute care facility licensed for 64 beds, Appling Healthcare is committed to providing personalized, patient-centered care supported by advanced medical technology and a dedicated team of providers and staff. For more information, visit zsdzi1.com
About GHA
Founded in 1929, GHA serves more than 150 hospitals in Georgia and promotes the health and welfare of the public through the development of better hospital care for all Georgia’s citizens. The mission of GHA is to advance the health of individuals and communities by serving as the leading advocate for all Georgia hospitals and healthcare systems. GHA represents its members before the General Assembly and Congress, as well as state and federal regulatory agencies, and is an allied member of the American Hospital Association. For more information, please call 770-249-4500 or visit gha.org.
