Melody Trimble Named St. Francis Hospital CEO

The veteran CEO and former nurse will begin leading the LifePoint Health facility in February.

Melody Trimble FACHE, MA, BSN, has been named chief executive officer of St. Francis Hospital, a 376-bed facility in Columbus, Georgia. Effective February 10, Trimble replaces Jerry Dooley, MA, who served as interim CEO during the executive search period. St. Francis is owned by LifePoint Health, a for-profit health system based in Brentwood, Tennessee.

“Melody is a talented healthcare executive who brings a sharp focus on quality and patient safety to her new role, as well as proven operations expertise and clear strategies for growth,” said Cherie Sibley, president of LifePoint Health's Central Division in the release.

(Photo courtesy of St. Francis Hospital)

Trimble started her career as a nurse and formerly served as a chief nursing officer before moving into operations. Since 2003, she has led multiple organizations as a CEO.

She most recently served in a dual role as CEO of Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee, and as vice president for Mountain States Health Alliance’s Washington County division, where she was responsible for several other facilities in the region, according to a news release issued by St. Francis. 

Her professional path also includes serving in multiple roles for Health Management Associates, including as president of the organization’s Health Management Group in Naples, Florida; market CEO for Sparks Medical Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas; market CEO for Venice Regional Medical Center in Venice, Florida; and CEO of Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center—also a LifePoint Health facility—in Hartsville, South Carolina.

“In addition to her track record of operational success, Melody’s sincere passion for people and commitment to providing high quality care made her a natural choice for this important leadership role,” said Joel David Fine, MD, chief of staff for St. Francis Hospital.

Trimble said, “The road ahead is filled with opportunities to enhance and expand our legacy of care in the communities we serve."