Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

FROM STAFF REPORTS

ALABASTER – On April 4, Shelby Baptist Medical Center announced the hiring of Watson Hughston as its new chief operating officer.

Hughston, a University of Alabama graduate and healthcare veteran, said he is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the Shelby County community.

“I am so excited to become a member of the shelby baptist team,” Hughston said. “This hospital and the surrounding community are special, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve here.”

Hughston joins shelby baptist from Centennial Medical Center, a 741-bed facility in Nashville, Tennessee. In his time at centennial, Hughston served in many roles, most recently as the vice president for operations, a role that included oversight of more than 625 FTEs in both clinical and non-clinical departments.

Hughston has a proven track record for creating operational efficiencies and strategy execution. Some of his key responsibilities and accomplishments include oversight of $79M in active construction projects to support service line growth, implementation of bed management throughput systems, top box patient experience performance and leadership of successful reaccreditation surveys.

Hughston attended the University of Alabama where he obtained his bachelor of science in commerce and business administration followed by a master of business administration from Lipscomb University.

Shelby Chief Executive Officer Holly Dean said she’s eager to start working with Hughston and is excited to have him on board.

“Watson immediately stood out among candidates for the position and we’re incredibly pleased to have him joining us,” Dean said. “I can’t wait to see all that he will help Shelby accomplish.”