MACON, GA – The second annual Georgia HEART Conference, held April 28th at Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, brought together rural healthcare leaders, hospital officials, business partners, and policymakers for a day of collaboration, reflection, and strategic planning, all focused on a shared mission: strengthening and sustaining rural healthcare across Georgia through the Georgia HEART program.
Throughout the day, attendees heard presentations and engaged in discussions focused on expanding the reach and effectiveness of the HEART program. The Georgia HEART team shared key updates on program results, donor participation trends, and marketing strategies, inspiring fresh ideas on how to sustain and grow support for rural hospitals.
This year also marked a major milestone for the program, as Georgia HEART surpassed $500 million invested in Georgia’s rural communities since its inception. This achievement reflects the growing commitment of taxpayers, business partners, and community supporters who continue to invest in the future of rural healthcare across the state.
A featured highlight of the conference was keynote speaker, Representative Butch Parrish, who delivered remarks on “Georgia’s Commitment to Rural Healthcare.” Chairman Parrish emphasized the importance of continued investment in rural communities and the critical role the Georgia HEART program plays in supporting hospitals that serve as healthcare and economic anchors across the state.
“Chairman Parrish’s remarks were a powerful reminder that strong leadership and continued partnership at the state level are essential to the future of rural healthcare,” said Allison Saxby, President & Managing Director of Georgia HEART. “We are grateful for champions like him who understand the importance of ensuring Georgia’s rural hospitals have the support they need to serve their communities.”
The event featured two panel discussions. The first, “Raising Your HEART Rate of Success,” focused on strategies for maximizing success within the Georgia HEART program through leadership engagement, donor outreach, and community partnerships. Panelists included:
- Delvecchio Finley, President & CEO, Atrium Health Navicent
- Christy Jordan, President & CEO, Southeast Georgia Health System
- Bill Wylie, Executive Vice President of Business Operations, Georgia Hospital Association
One of the most meaningful sessions of the day was the panel discussion, “Open Dialogue: Ask the Experts,” where hospital leaders shared success stories, fundraising strategies, and lessons learned from their experience with the program. Their real-world perspectives brought the impact of Georgia HEART to life and demonstrated how contributions are directly benefiting communities across the state. Panelists included:
- Amanda Mercer, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships, Northeast Georgia Health System
- Megan Morris, Executive Director of Foundation, Morgan Medical Center
- Marty Ray, Chief Operations Officer & CEO, Candler County Hospital
“The momentum surrounding Georgia HEART continues to grow, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead,” said Ben Saylor, Chief Executive Officer of Georgia HEART. “As awareness expands and more Georgians choose to participate, we look forward to helping even more rural hospitals strengthen services, invest in their future, and continue providing quality care close to home.”
As the event concluded, the message was one of optimism and renewed commitment. The Georgia HEART Hospital Program continues to thrive, powered by the shared belief that every Georgian deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of where they live. With continued collaboration and community support, the program is poised to make an even greater impact in the years ahead.
For more information about Georgia HEART or to learn how to participate, visit www.georgiaheart.org.