Leadership
W. Russell Tyner
President
Chief Executive Officer
Baptist Health
Montgomery, Ala.
Mr. Tyner is an employee of UAB Health System who serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Authority. He is responsible for all health system operations and charting the strategic direction of Baptist Health. Mr. Tyner joined Baptist Health as President and Chief Executive Officer in March 2004 and remained in that capacity after the affiliation consummated with the UA Parties. Mr. Tyner has over 30 years of senior executive healthcare experience concentrated in hospital/system operations, market and service line strategy and multi-system integration. Prior to joining Baptist Health, Mr. Tyner served 17 years as Associate Administrator and Chief Operating Officer for The Health Care Authority for Medical West, An Affiliate of UAB Health System (“Medical West”), managing hospital and clinic operations while directing organizational integration activities with UAB Health System. He has fulfilled many community leadership roles including board chair for local chambers of commerce, State and national healthcare board appointments, multiple school board appointments and economic/community development authorities. Mr. Tyner received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications in 1982 from the University of Alabama and obtained advanced healthcare education at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
Peter Selman
Chief Operating Officer
Baptist Health
Chief Executive Officer
Baptist Medical Center South
Montgomery, Ala.
Peter Selman became the CEO of Baptist Medical Center South in July 2013 and Chief Operating Officer for Baptist Health in 2024. Mr. Selman joined Baptist Health in 2009 as the CEO of Baptist Medical Center East. Before coming to Baptist Health, Peter served as CEO of DeKalb Regional Medical Center in Fort Payne, AL. His senior leadership experience also includes terms as CEO of Cherokee Medical Center in Centre, AL., CEO of Appling Hospital in Baxley, GA. and Vice President of Operations for Coosa Valley Medical Center in Sylacauga, AL. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications from the University of Alabama, Selman earned a Master's degree in Marketing and Public Relations from the University of Alabama and a Master's degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Eric Morgan, PharmD
Chief Executive Officer
Prattville Baptist Hospital
Prattville, Ala.
Dr. Eric Morgan joined Baptist Health in 2004 as a staff pharmacist, advancing to Pharmacy Manager in 2005. Originating from Prattville, Eric holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy. In 2016, Eric became the CEO of Prattville Baptist Hospital. With more than 17 years in a leadership role and a long-time Prattville resident, Eric is very involved in the Prattville community, currently a member of the Prattville Rotary Club and a member of the Board of Directors of the Prattville Area YMCA.
Jeff G. Rains
Chief Executive Officer
Baptist Medical Center East
Montgomery, Ala.
Jeff Rains brings more than a decade of transformative leadership experience to his role as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Baptist Medical Center East, an award-winning 176-bed acute care hospital located in the heart of Alabama’s Capital City---Montgomery. Baptist Medical Center East specializes in women and children’s services and is home to nearly 4,000 baby deliveries each year, making it the third-highest in total deliveries in the State of Alabama.
Prior to his tenure at Baptist East, Jeff served as the CEO of DeKalb Regional Medical Center in Fort Payne, Alabama, where his strategic vision propelled the hospital to new heights of efficiency and patient satisfaction. Joining Baptist East in July 2013, Jeff's journey in healthcare administration has been marked by a steadfast commitment to operational excellence and compassionate care.
Jeff's leadership features a diverse portfolio of executive roles, including CEO of Hartselle Medical Center in Hartselle, Alabama, interim CEO of Williamson Memorial Hospital in Williamson, West Virginia, and Chief Operating Officer of Riverview Regional Medical Center in Gadsden, Alabama.
An advocate of the healthcare community, Jeff is a dedicated member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on several boards, including the Alabama Hospital Association, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine (Montgomery Campus), LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, and the Family Sunshine Center.
A proud graduate of the University of Alabama, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in finance, complemented by a Master of Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University.
Jeff and his wife Leigh Ann are the proud parents of a daughter who is a student at Auburn University and twin sons who keep them busy with a variety of high school activities.
Tiffany Bass, DNP, MSN, RN
Chief Nursing Officer
Baptist Medical Center South
Montgomery, Ala.
Tiffany Bass serves as the Chief Nursing Officer at Baptist Medical Center South. Prior to this role, Tiffany served as the Service Line Director for Cardiovascular Services and Women and Children Services of Baptist Medical Center South. She has been a Registered Nurse for over twenty-five years with eighteen years of progressive leadership experience. Tiffany is committed to providing excellent and high-quality care to our patients. She is equally committed to fostering a work environment that elevates nursing practice and promotes high-functioning teams.
Tiffany received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Lawson State Community College and Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctor of Nursing Practice Degrees from Jacksonville State University. Tiffany enjoys outdoor activities and vacationing with her husband and two daughters.
Christine Bruton
Chief Financial Officer
Baptist Health
Montgomery, Ala.
Christine Bruton currently serves as the CFO for Baptist Health. Christine is responsible for budget, reimbursement, financial reporting, taxes, supply chain, financial planning, payroll and revenue cycle management. Christine is a seasoned finance executive with nearly 35 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Auburn University Montgomery. She is a Certified Public Accountant. Christine’s professional career started at Richard, Harris and Ingram Certified Public Accountants. She later moved to the private sector and served as Director of Accounting for St. Margaret’s Hospital, Associate Executive Director of Finance at Humana East Hospital and Controller for Columbia East Montgomery Medical Center in Montgomery, AL. Christine is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Healthcare Financial Management Association. She is a strong leader with high integrity, and communication skills and has a passion for healthcare.
Tiffany Chaney, FACHE
Chief Diversity Officer
Baptist Health
Montgomery, Ala.
As Chief Diversity Officer, Tiffany Chaney leads the strategic development, promotion, and implementation of health system initiatives to continually shape the organization’s culture as one valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Tiffany came to Baptist Health in 2006 as System Director of Business Development and has more than 20 years of health administration experience. She previously served in a healthcare consulting firm, an academic health system, a public hospital, and a physician practice. Tiffany is also an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and serves as pastor of Gathered by Grace in Montgomery.
A graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Tiffany received a Bachelor of Science in Finance, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Science in Health Administration degrees. She is also a graduate of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, where she received a Master of Divinity degree. Tiffany has a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University and a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida.
Tiffany is a board member for the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama and Inspiritus and serves on the UAB Women in Healthcare Leadership Executive Board. She is a member of Leadership Montgomery Class XXXVIII, a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, and a member of the National Association of Health Services Executives. . Tiffany was named on the Becker’s Healthcare 2023 and 2024 Lists of Hospital and Health System Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officers to Know.
Julie Firman, DNP, RN, FACHE
System Chief Nurse Executive
Baptist Health
Montgomery, Ala.
Julie Firman joined Baptist Health as the health system’s CNE in February 2019. She relocated from southern Illinois, where she held the position of System Chief Nursing Officer for more than nine years with Southern Illinois Healthcare. As the System CNE, Julie has oversight of nursing practice and quality initiatives across the system. She assists in setting strategic vision and advising on the impact to nursing of proposed initiatives. Acting as a patient advocate, she works to create and foster a culture of safety. A Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives, Julie holds a Bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN, a Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from American Sentinel University in Aurora, CO. Julie is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Leaders, as well as Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Tonda Haigler, MPH, MBA, FACHE
Vice President of Ambulatory Operations
Baptist Health
Montgomery, Ala.
Tonda Haigler, MPH, MBA, FACHE joined Baptist Health as the new organizational role of Vice President Ambulatory Operations.
Specifically, in this role, Tonda will be responsible for the operational oversight and system integration of all Baptist Health physician clinic operations. Tonda comes to Baptist Health from Community Health Systems, having held multiple hospital and clinic executive positions around the southeast over the last decade, including Chief Operating Officer at both Merit Health in Biloxi, Mississippi and Carolinas Hospital System in Florence, South Carolina. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Mississippi State University, (2006) and a Master of Public Health – Health Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. (2001)
Julia Henig, MSHA, MBA, FACHE
System Vice President of Business Development
Baptist Health
Montgomery, Ala.
Julia Henig joined Baptist Health as System Vice President of Business Development in 2004. She has over 25 years of senior healthcare leadership experience in academic and community-based health systems and joint venture partnerships. She is skilled in service line development, clinical growth strategies, operational performance and partnership development and oversight to drive strategy execution.
Prior to Baptist Health, Julia served as the Assistant Chief Strategy Officer and Assistant Executive Director of Strategic Ventures of the UAB Health System. After receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Mississippi, Julia earned a Master's of Science in Health Administration, a Master's of Business Administration, and a Certificate of Gerontology from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She also completed a Global Leadership in Healthcare Program through the University of Michigan School of Business. Julia is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and an adjunct professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
While at Ole Miss, Julia was the Captain of the Women’s Volleyball Team and earned All-SEC athletic and academic honors. She is actively involved in the community serving as the founding president of EMERGE Montgomery, the president of Child Protect and serves on several community boards. She is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery Class XXII and Torchbearers Leadership Class I. She is also a volunteer assistant volleyball coach at Alabama State University.
Ginger Henry, RN
Chief Operating Officer
Baptist Medical Center South
Montgomery, Ala.
Ginger Henry has served as the Chief Operating Officer at Baptist Medical Center South since 2015. She has a strong passion for improving the healthcare of the communities served by Baptist Health. She enjoyed fulfilling the faith-based mission of Baptist Health when she joined the organization in 1998 as a staff nurse in the Emergency Department at Baptist Medical Center South. She moved to Prattville Baptist Hospital and served from 1999 to 2015 as a Nurse Manager, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Executive Officer for 11 years before moving to the South campus.
Ginger received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Troy University Montgomery, a Bachelor of Nursing and Master of Business Administration from Auburn University Montgomery and an Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) in Healthcare Leadership from The University of Alabama at Birmingham . She resides in Prattville, Alabama with her husband and is the mother to five beautiful children.
Erica Hess, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC
Chief Nursing Officer
Baptist Medical Center East
Montgomery, Ala.
An adaptable and transformational leader with a servant heart, Erica Hess has been a registered nurse for more than sixteen years. She brings more than twelve years of leadership experience to her role as Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) of Baptist Medical Center East.
Originally from Illinois, Erica served as the Director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Southern Illinois Healthcare in Carbondale, Illinois. Erica joined Baptist Health in July 2020 as the Director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Baptist Medical Center East, where her strategic and innovative vision lead the service line to increased efficiency and growth. Erica’s leadership journey has encompassed cultural transformation with an emphasis on promoting a culture of safety and quality of care.
Erica is a proud graduate of the Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership Program at American Sentinel University. Additionally, she holds two Master’s Degrees in both Nursing and Healthcare Management. A board-certified Nurse Executive through the American Nurses Association, Erica has always had a heart and passion for caring for others and leading along the way.
Erica is the proud parent of three children who are all involved in a variety of sports and activities, which keeps their family entertained and on-the-go.
Jeff Hicks
Vice President – Ancillary/Outpatient Services & Development
Baptist Medical Center South
Montgomery, Ala.
With 30 years of clinical and healthcare leadership experience, Jeff Hicks serves as the Vice President of Ancillary/Outpatient Services & Development at Baptist Medical Center South. Jeff’s leadership in operations and infrastructure planning and implementation ensure optimal support of Baptist Medical Center South team members. Jeff oversees clear communication on strategic plans with Baptist Medical Center South stakeholders, identifies and leads new business development opportunities and actively pursues highly productive relationships and partnerships for the benefit of the organization. Jeff has been instrumental in Allied Health Education program growth, most notably the transition of Baptist Health’s Radiology Technology and Ultrasonography Programs to Trenholm State Community College.
Jeff received his Associates degree in radiological sciences from Jefferson State Junior College, followed by his Bachelor’s degree in health care administration from The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Masters of Health Administration from the University of St. Francis. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys sports, traveling, snorkeling/diving and is an avid fan of all things sports cars.
Melissa Johnson
Vice President - Revenue Cycle Services
Baptist Health
Montgomery, Ala.
Melissa Johnson joined Baptist Health in 2010 as the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Medical Center East and has served as the Chief Financial Officer at Baptist Medical Center South prior to building Revenue Cycles Services for the organization. She has more than 14 years of senior leadership experience which includes serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Natchez Community Hospital in Natchez, MS and a Controller at Venice Regional Medical Center in Venice, FL.
Melissa received her bachelor’s degree in health care administration from Auburn University and her master’s in business and public administration from Jacksonville State University. Melissa is active in Montgomery Rotary Club & past club board member, as well as a board member of Montgomery Area Council on Aging (2013 to current).
Tommy McKinnon
Vice President - Community Engagement
Baptist Health
Executive Director
Baptist Health Care Foundation
Montgomery, Ala.
With 25 years of experience in strategic marketing, public relations and communications, Tommy McKinnon serves as the Vice President of Community Engagement for Baptist Health and the Executive Director of the Baptist Health Care Foundation. Tommy oversees the establishment of integrated strategies, plans, and programs designed to ensure that all advancement, communication, marketing, and public relations efforts are cohesive, consistent and effective in supporting Baptist Health’s mission and goals.
Tommy’s career has included employment with Brookwood Medical Center, HealthSouth Corporation, Miller Communications
Tommy believes in giving back to the community through past and present service on several local and regional boards, including Centerpoint Fellowship Church, Medical Outreach Ministries, the Wellness Coalition, Girl Scouts of Alabama, YMCA Camp Chandler Board and Junior League Advisory Board. Tommy is also a member of Leadership Montgomery Class XXV.
Tommy graduated from Birmingham-Southern College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He is a published novelist, avid sailor, golfer
Judi Miller, MSN, RN
Chief Learning Officer
Baptist Health
Montgomery, Ala.
Judi Miller, MSN, RN, started her career at Baptist Health over 40 years ago as a new graduate RN. During her career, she has held a variety of leadership positions in Nursing and Education that make her uniquely qualified for her role as Chief Learning Officer. She was instrumental in bringing high-fidelity simulation-based training to healthcare professionals in the River Region. The Institute for Patient Safety and Medical Simulation became a world-class training site under her direction. She is a life-long learner and passionate about education.
Judi is a 3-time graduate of Troy University. She holds an Associate Degree in Nursing (1985), a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (1985 – summa cum laude) and a Master’s Degree in Nursing (1991). She is a member of the International Society for Simulation in Healthcare. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Bridge Center for Health Education, and the Advisory Boards of local Schools of Nursing.
Judi and her husband, Craig, enjoy time with their adult children, five granddaughters, Piper the Belgian Malinois and Murphy, the cat. Judi enjoys cooking, hiking, 5 a.m. trips to the gym, watching Piper participate in dog sports and is always up for a road trip.
Susan Reed
Vice President of Oncology Services and Administrator of Montgomery Cancer Center
Baptist Health
Montgomery, Ala.
Susan Reed serves as Vice President of Oncology Services and Administrator of Montgomery Cancer Center. Prior to joining Baptist Health, Susan was an Assurance Manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers focusing on financial audits of clients within the financial services and healthcare industries.
In 2010, Susan joined Baptist Health as Director of Internal Audit working with various teams throughout the health system. Susan then joined the Baptist Health Physician Group as Director of Financial Operations working closely with the revenue cycle of Baptist Health’s employed physician group practices. In her current role, Susan oversees the operations of Montgomery Cancer Center’s medical oncology division with campuses in Montgomery and Prattville, Alabama.
Susan graduated summa cum laude from Troy University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Susan then earned a Master's in business administration from Troy University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Susan is a graduate of Leadership Montgomery Class XXXI and an active member of Junior League of Montgomery.
Meg W. Spires, RN, MSN
Chief Nursing Officer
Prattville Baptist Hospital
Prattville, Ala.
Meg Spires serves as the Chief Nursing Officer of Prattville Baptist Hospital. Meg joined Baptist Health in 1996 through clinical and leadership roles in the Emergency and Education departments at Baptist Medical Center South. A lifelong Autauga County resident, Meg transferred to Prattville Baptist Hospital in 2005, where she served as the Nursing Operations Manager and Director of Nursing before being named as the Chief Nursing Officer.
Meg is dedicated and committed to serving her team and her community. The mission statement of Baptist Health is vitally important to her and aligns with her passion to perform purposeful, worthwhile work. Meg believes in impacting lives by making a difference one person at a time.
Meg received her Associate Degree of Nursing from Wallace Community College in Selma, her Bachelors of Nursing from Auburn University in Montgomery, and Masters of Science in Nursing with a Nurse Executive focus from Chamberlain University. Meg is a member of the American Organization of Nurse Leaders and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
She and her husband have a blended family with 5 children, one daughter in love, and one grandson.
Baptist Healthcare Authority Board of Directors
- James Wright, EdD (Chair)
- Anupam Agarwal, MD
- Robert C. Brock
- Ronald C. Brown, Jr.
- Dawn Bularella
- Rev. Gary Burton
- James Edwards
- John A. Henig, Jr. (Secretary/Treasurer)
- Louis R. Lambiase, MD
- Kay Miller
- J. Steven Roy
- Quinton Ross, EdD
- W. Russell Tyner
Baptist Health Board of Directors
- John A. Henig, Jr. (Chair)
- Harry Barnes, III, MD
- Rev. Gary Burton
- Willie Durham
- Britton Henig
- Johnny Holleman
- Rev. Neal Hughes
- Rev. Teman W. Knight, III
- Wickliffe J. Many, Jr., MD
- Rev. Rick L. Marshall
- Kay Miller (Secretary/Treasurer)
- Rev. Michael A. Northcutt
- Patti Perdue
- Burke J. Sylvest, Jr.
- Rev. Michael Trull
- W. Russell Tyner
- Rev. Jay. L. Wolf, Jr.
- James Wright, EdD
- Jeffrey Wright
Baptist Medical Center South Board of Directors
- Alan Worrell (Chair)
- Peter Selman (CEO)
- Cedric T. Campbell
- James Dupree, Jr.
- Rosemary W. Elebash
- J. Mark Fain
- Vivian Hamlett, MD
- Amy Johnson
- Duncan McRae, MD
- Paul B. Moore, MD
- Paul Pinyan
- Samuel J. Saliba, MD
- Chief Huey D. Thornton
Baptist Medical Center East Board of Directors
- Greg McClellan (Chair)
- Jeff Rains (CEO)
- Winston Ashurst, MD
- Michael Briddell
- Donna Cooper
- Jean Crepault, MD
- Brigadier General Trent Edwards
- Tim Gothard
- Marche Johnson
- Nina Nelson-Garrett, MD
- David Sanders
- Susanne Trest
- Virginia Whitfield
- Mark Williams
- Michael Winkleman
Prattville Baptist Hospital Board of Directors
- David Lewis (Chair)
- Eric Morgan (CEO)
- Chris Britton
- Martha Ellis
- Tasha Fester, MD
- Mohammad Irfan, MD
- James Jackson
- Frank Lamar
- Mike Lamar
- Nagea Littleton
- Joe Mathis
- Roy McCauley
- Clay McConnell
- Bill Morgan
- Wade Seamon
- Duwan Walker
Baptist Health Care Foundation Board
- Mrs. Chris Anderson
- Mr. Robert Birmingham
- Ms. Dottie Kenady Blair
- Mr. Alex Bumpers
- Dr. Kemba Chambers
- Mr. Craig Clement
- Ms. Angela Crosby
- Ms. Cassandra Crosby
- Mrs. Laura Curtis
- Mrs. Samarria Dunson
- Mr. Lane Easterling
- Ms. Kristin Gillis
- Mr. Daniel Grier
- Ms. Gage LeQuire
- Mr. Delbert Madison
- Mr. Ed Reifenberg
- Mr. Jim Smith
- Mr. Harvey Starling
- Mr. Russ Tyner
- Ms. Tonda West
- Mr. Tommy McKinnon