New Lakeland Community Hospital CEO

By HBTV
Thursday, May 31, 2012 | 12:05 PM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=1131

Effective June 21, 2012, Cindy Nichols will join the team at Lakeland Community Hospital as Chief Executive Officer.  Cindy comes from Northwest Medical Center in Winfield, Alabama where she has served as the Chief Nursing Officer since October 2000 and has been at the facility for 18 years.    Cindy holds a Masters of Science Degree in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) from University of North Alabama in Florence.  She has plans to complete her Masters of Healthcare Administration within the next year.  She is currently a clinical instructor for Bevill State Community College and has been affiliated with the college since 1998.  Cindy has been married for 17 years to Mark Nichols and they have a 10 year old son, Lawson.  In her spare time, she enjoys organic gardening, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Don Bivacca, National Division President of LifePoint Hospitals, said, "I am pleased to announce that Cindy has been appointed in this role.  She is credited with successfully implementing a strategy to improve physician satisfaction of nursing service; driving significant improvements quality indicators; leading clinical and non-clinical initiatives that increased patient satisfaction of the organization, and reducing nursing turnover.  She was the recipient of LifePoint’s Chief Nursing Officer of the Year award in 2011."

Mrs. Nichols stated: "I am very excited and eager to begin the position of Chief Executive Officer at Lakeland. This promotion meets my professional goals and will give me the chance to work with a group of quality physicians, leaders, department managers, and employees. The Lakeland team was the recipient of the 2011 LifePoint High Five Award which demonstrates excellent operations and quality patient care.  I plan to join this team and continue with the great service that is already established and to build upon this.  I am a strong supporter of quality patient care, supporting physicians, creating an excellent workplace for employees, strengthening the hospital’s role in the community and ensuring fiscal responsibility.  I am excited to become actively involved in the community.  I have been in contact with the Governing Board, Medical Staff, Administrative team and the Rotary club to date and I must say that I have received a warm welcome from individuals who are strong supporters of the hospital and the community."   

 "As an individual with over 11 years of healthcare executive experience, I would describe myself as a compassionate leader and a strong patient advocate.  It is my goal to be a leader of character, competence, courage, honesty, and integrity – and to live by these principles every day.  It is my goal to make Lakeland Community Hospital the place where patients choose to come for health care, physicians desire to practice, and employees want to work," stated Nichols.

Cindy Nichols will be the guest speaker Friday at the Haleyville Chamber of Commerce, which meets at noon at the Galley restaurant.