After months of tumultuous negotiations, bankruptcy filings and massive restructuring, Montgomery's Jackson Hospital recently announced new leadership changes as the organization continues restructuring.
Jackson Hospital has undertaken significant restructuring in recent months after several financial issues plagued the Montgomery institution.
Jackson defaulted on a $60 million bond payment in September 2024 and has missed multiple payments since. That same month, Allen Wilen, a partner with EisnerAmper Advisory Group, was appointed chief restructuring officer.
The financial woes led to CEO Joe Riley and COO Michael James resigning in November 2024. Ronald Dreskin, who was previously brought in to support the restructuring, has been operating as interim CEO since late last year.
After a petition to seek a loan assurance through the Montgomery City Council fell through in late January, Jackson Hospital & Clinic, Inc. and JHC Pharmacy, LLC voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Alabama a week later.
SEE ALSO: Jackson Hospital gets loan to stay open after declaring bankruptcy
The bankruptcy action will reorganize operations and implement a financial restructuring through a court-supervised proceeding while providing uninterrupted access to health care services and patient care.
On Thursday, Jackson Hospital & Clinic announced the appointment of Gina Anderson as its permanent chief operating officer and Maureen A. Gaffney as its new chief information officer, effective immediately.
Anderson most recently served as interim chief operating officer while maintaining her roles as chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services. Anderson will continue to oversee the hospital's operations and provide strategic leadership as the hospital's COO role continues to evolve.
"Gina is a recognized leader in the industry, known for her operational excellence and strategic vision," Dreskin said. "Since joining Jackson, she has distinguished herself as a tireless champion for patients and a strategic and proactive collaborator. She has been a driving force in improved patient experience scores and national quality and performance improvement metrics; and implemented Jackson's journey to becoming a High-Reliability Organization. The relationships she has built at Jackson and her diverse experience, which includes clinical and administrative roles, give her a unique understanding of Jackson's needs going forward. In addition, her deep knowledge of best practices will be critical as we enter the next phase of our restructuring."
The group also named Maureen Gaffney its new chief information officer, bringing over two decades of experience in clinical operations and health information technology. Gaffney will oversee all aspects of Jackson Hospital's Information Technology organization, including people, processes, and technologies, ensuring they align with and deliver outcomes that support the hospital's organizational objectives and safe healthcare delivery.
"In this new role, Maureen will ensure seamless technological operations, introduce new technologies to improve patient care and operational efficiency, and explore technological opportunities to improve healthcare delivery at Jackson," Dreskin added. "She is passionate about finding ways for the IT function to support and advance healthcare."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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