Russ Spray Named Interim CEO of LHS
Lincoln Health System (LHS), a county-owned, non-profit health care corporation, has announced that William R. (Russ) Spray has been named Interim-Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective September 3, 2019.
A native of Lincoln County, Tennessee, Spray has over 40 years’ experience in healthcare leadership including a near 3-year stint as CEO of Lincoln Health System from 2009-2011. Under his leadership, LHS experienced one of its most profitable times in recent history. His leadership strengths include quality and patient safety, physician recruitment and retention, and employee engagement and development.
In addition to his time with LHS, Spray has also led the following Tennessee Hospitals: Southern Tennessee Regional Health System Winchester-Sewanee, Tennnova-Harton in Tullahoma, and River Park Hospital in McMinnville.
Spray holds a Master’s of Business Administration degrees with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration, from Southeastern Institute of Technology in Huntsville, Alabama and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Tennessee Technology University in Cookeville, Tennessee.
“Lincoln County will always be a special place to me. Both my wife and I were raised there and we still own property there today. I am honored that the Board of Trustees would consider me and trust me to lead the health system during this time of transition,” said Russ Spray.
Spray will lead Lincoln Health System for an expected period of up to 6 months while the organization aggressively works to recruit a permanent CEO.
About Lincoln Health System
Lincoln Health System (LHS) is a county-owned, non-profit health system located in Fayetteville, Tennessee. The health system’s humble beginnings began back in 1916 when the area’s all-female Alpha Kappa Club made it their mission to lobby for a much-needed hospital in Lincoln County. In less than 12 months, the vision became a reality and Lincoln County Hospital opened its doors on April 25, 1917. One hundred years later, Lincoln Health System is still serving the community. LHS consists of a 49-bed acute care hospital, an ambulance service, a long-term care and skilled care facility, a home health and hospice agency, and a freestanding outpatient rehabilitation and wellness center. For more information about Lincoln Health System its facilities, medical services, and physicians, visit www.LincolnHealthSystem.com.