Southeast Alabama Medical Center (SAMC) CEO Ronald S. Owen, FACHE, recently received the prestigious Senior Health Executive Regent’s Award at the Alabama Hospital Association’s (AlaHA) annual meeting in Destin, Fla. 

The award was presented by the Alabama chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) in recognition of Mr. Owen’s significant contributions toward the advancement of health care management excellence and the achievement of the goals of ACHE.

“Ron has consistently displayed his dedication to ACHE and his willingness to serve in leadership capacities,” said William Anderson, ACHE’s Regent for Alabama and president and CEO of Helen Keller Hospital, Sheffield, Ala.  “I am honored to be able to present this award to such a worthy candidate.”

Mr. Owen has served as CEO of SAMC since 1997 and prior to that was employed in various leadership positions at Huntsville Hospital  He graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology and a master’s degree in business.  He also received his master’s degree in hospital and health administration from UAB followed by a distinguished military career in the Army and Army reserves medical service corps. for 23 years.

Mr. Owen is a fellow of ACHE, a past chairman of the AlaHA board and a former president of the Southeast Alabama Hospital Council.  He currently serves as a member of Rotary International, the American Hospital Association Ad Hoc Committee on Payment for Health Service, Dothan by Design and treasurer and a member of the board of directors for the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce.

According to Anderson, candidates for the Senior Health Executive Award are evaluated on leadership ability, innovative management, executive capability in developing their own organization and promoting its growth and stature in community, contributions to the development of others in the health care profession, leadership in local and/or state health association activities, participation in civic/community activities and projects, participation in ACHE activities and interest in assisting ACHE in achieving its objectives.

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