At the annual meeting of the Mississippi Hospital Association, L. Ray Humphreys, Chief Executive Officer at Delta Regional Medical Center, was named the Healthcare Executive of the Year by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). The Regent’s Award, the top honor bestowed on one ACHE affiliate in the state of Mississippi each year, was presented to Humphreys by the College’s Regent for Mississippi, Edward L. Foster, CHE.
The American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of nearly 30,000 healthcare executives, which is known for its stringent credentialing and educational programs.
The ACHE Regent’s Award recognizes ACHE affiliates who are experienced in the field and have significantly contributed to the advancement of healthcare management excellence and the achievement of the goals of ACHE. Nominees are evaluated on their leadership ability, innovative and creative management, their capability for developing the organization they serve and promoting its growth and stature in the community.
Delta Regional Medical Center, Board of Trustees Vice-Chairman, George Lewis, praised Humphreys for the successful recruitment of many new medical specialists to the medically underserved Delta region. However, according to Lewis, Humphreys’ “most significant achievement has been the dramatic turnaround of DRMC under his leadership.” He also credited the visionary leadership Humphreys has provided to address the long-term needs of the community and Delta Regional Medical Center, and to successfully obtain consensus of the community to implement a bold strategic plan for the development of a long-range plan, which when completed will represent an investment in excess of $100 million and will be a comprehensive “medical campus of the future”.
Upon acceptance of ACHE’s highest state award, Humphreys noted, “This unexpected recognition is something that means so much to me because it comes from my peers in the industry-those individuals who have dedicated their careers to providing excellent healthcare services. The accomplishments made at Delta Regional have been the result of a strong team effort that has involved all of the administrative leadership team, Board of Trustees, physicians and every member of our Medical center staff. It has been my pleasure to serve God in this dynamic area of Mississippi, and to have the opportunity to work with the wonderful citizens of the Delta.”
Humphreys is a native of Neshoba County, Philadelphia, Mississippi, and an alumnus of Mississippi State University. After completing his undergraduate degree, he continued his education at Mississippi College, where he received a Masters Degree in Hospital Administration.
Humphreys has over 34 year’s experience in the health care arena. Prior to taking the helm at Delta Regional Medical Center, he served at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg, MS, for more than twenty-four years. He began his career at Mercy Regional Medical Center, now River Region Medical Center, Vicksburg, MS.
Humphreys and his wife, Michelle, are active members of the First Baptist Church in Greenville. They have become involved in many civic organizations in the community, including the Board of Directors of the Washington County Industrial Foundation and Delta Council, Greenville Arts Council, Rotary Club, and the American Heart Association Art for Heart Committee. DBJ
