MARTINSVILLE, VA – Spencer Thomas will be the chief executive officer at Sovah Health – Martinsville starting in August. Thomas joins Sovah Health from Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford, NC, where he has served as CEO since 2017. He will replace Tory Shepherd, chief operating officer of Sovah Health, who has been serving as interim CEO. Shepherd will continue her role as COO following the transition.
“We are delighted to welcome Spencer to Sovah Health - Martinsville,” said Alan Larson, FACHE, Market President of Sovah Health. “We look forward to working with him, as well as the staff, physicians and community to explore how Sovah Health can continue to grow the many ways it serves Martinsville and the surrounding communities.”
A veteran healthcare leader, Thomas has worked in many communities to improve clinical outcomes, lead executive management teams, implement strategic plans, boost staff and physician recruitment and retention, and enhance hospitals’ financial performance. His background includes a broad range of healthcare leadership roles in a variety of settings and a strong track record of active community engagement.
Before joining CCH, Thomas served as chief operating officer (COO) of Sovah Health – Danville and was instrumental in the successful formation of Sovah Health in 2017. Additionally, he has held several executive leadership roles in the industry, including CEO of Tennova Newport Medical Center in Newport, TN; COO of East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro, GA; COO of Highlands Regional Medical Center in Sebring, FL, among others.
“Spencer Thomas has the right experience and expertise we’re looking for to lead our Martinsville campus into the future,” said Shepherd. “We are excited to welcome him back to our team, and I look forward to working with him to enhance quality care and services here and advance new initiatives to make our communities healthier.”
Thomas holds a Master of Healthcare Administration degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va., and a bachelor’s degree from Hampden-Sydney College in Hampden
Sydney, Va. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the North Carolina Healthcare Association.
"Having previously been a part of Sovah Health’s leadership team, I know firsthand the amazing team of staff and physicians we have in Martinsville,” said Thomas. “I look forward to joining Sovah Health – Martinsville as we work together to strengthen the hospital’s position as a community partner and place that people choose to come for healthcare, physicians want to practice and employees want to work.”