By Michael A. Cummings
MICHAELC@CULLMANTIMES.COM
Woodland Medical Center has named George F. “Butch” Naylor III its new chief executive officer, Woodland officials announced Monday.
The move comes after details were finalized on Friday for the purchase of Woodland Capella Healthcare Inc. of Franklin, Tenn.
Naylor comes to Woodland with 35 years of experience in healthcare, including the past nine with Community Health Systems, the previous owner of Woodland. During his time with CHS, Naylor worked as CEO of Harris Hospital in Newport, Ark.; CEO of Scott County Hospital in Oneida, Tenn.; chief operating officer of Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City, Ill.; and CEO of Barstow Community Hospital in Barstow, Calif.
Naylor said Woodland is an exciting opportunity because of its management style and location.
“I am thrilled to be offered the opportunity to come to Woodland Medical Center and lead the team at such an exciting time,” Naylor said in a press release. “The Capella management philosophy fosters local creativity and is just what we need to ensure long-term viability of our hospital. I began my career ... in Russellville, so I feel like I am coming home.”
Naylor holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, which he received from the University of Georgia. He earned an MBA from Georgia State University and is accredited by the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).
Capella Senior Vice President and COO Tom Pemberton said Naylor was selected after an intensive search process.
“After much consideration we feel Butch Naylor is an excellent fit for Woodland Health Center,” Pemberton said in the press release. “We are excited to have a CEO with the caliber and expertise as Butch Naylor. Butch is a respected leader in healthcare management and he will be a great asset to our community as well as a great team leader for Woodland Medical Center.”
Naylor and his wife, Cathy, have two sons: Aaron, a graduate of the University of Tennessee, and Sloan, a freshman at Arkansas State University.
