Gwinnett Medical Center (GMC) recently tapped J. Thomas Shepherd to serve as chief operating officer and executive vice president for the hospital system and president of Gwinnett Medical Center-Lawrenceville. He had been serving in the position on an interim basis since December 2012.


Shepherd

In this role, Shepherd will be responsible for the implementation of strategic initiatives as it relates to daily activities and ensuring a high level of quality and patient safety in an effort to maintain a strong sense of patient satisfaction. He maintains physician relations through regular communications, is also involved in physician recruitment and plays a key role in supporting the president and CEO in regards to board relations.

In addition, he is responsible for a number of key areas within the hospital system including marketing and strategic planning, business development and operations at both Duluth and Lawrenceville hospitals.

Phil Wolfe, president and CEO of Gwinnett Medical Center, says: “Shepherd’s deep knowledge of our system and previous leadership experience will be of great benefit to our organization as we successfully navigate the challenging times ahead.”

Shepherd first joined the hospital system in 1978, initially serving as a lab technician at Button Gwinnett Hospital. Other positions held include night administrator for Gwinnett Hospital System and administrator for Joan Glancy Memorial Hospital, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Planning and Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning and Business Development. In addition, he served as CEO for Dodge County Hospital in Eastman, Ga.

Shepherd holds a master’s in business administration from Brenau College and a bachelor’s degree in management and biology also from Brenau College. He is board certified in healthcare management through the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Thomas and his wife Linda have called Gwinnett County home for years. He enjoys serving the area through involvement in a number of community organizations.

 

article by Gwinnett Forum