Broward Health Medical Center gets new a CEO, and more | MED MOVES

Manuel “Manny” Linares has been named the new chief executive officer of Broward Health Medical Center.

Manuel “Manny” Linares (Broward Health)

Linares most recently served as president and CEO of Touro Infirmary, a 360-bed hospital that's part of LCMC Health in New Orleans, La.

Aurelio M. Fernandez III, who served as interim CEO of Broward Health Medical Center while the health system searched for a permanent leader, is moving to a new role at Broward Health's corporate offices, where he will manage special projects.

“We’re excited to welcome Manny as Aurelio transitions to his new role,” Shane Strum, president and CEO of Broward Health, said in a statement. “Manny brings more than 30 years of healthcare experience, mostly served in South Florida. He has the industry experience and local perspective needed to lead our flagship hospital as we pursue Broward Health’s new vision to be the champion for a healthier community.”

Linares spent 30 years at Tenet Healthcare Corporation in various leadership roles, including CEO and chief operating officer of North Shore Medical Center, and COO of North Ridge Medical Center.

Before joining Broward Health, Fernandez had most recently retired from Memorial Healthcare System after serving as president and CEO.

Jameson (Jamie) Smith (Kootenai Health)

Kootenai Health selects next CEO

Jameson (Jamie) Smith has been named the next CEO of Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Smith is scheduled to join Kootenai on March 11. Kootenai Health’s main hospital is licensed for up to 397 beds, and the system has more than 200 providers.

He has served as president of Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colorado, part of Intermountain Health, for the past eight years. He also served as the CEO of Saint Joseph’s Joint Operating Agreement with National Jewish Health.

Smith possesses more than 25 years of leadership experience in a variety of markets.

He began his career as an active-duty Medical Service Corps officer in the U.S. Army, and he served for two years at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. and two years in the 1st Cavalry Division, Ft Hood, Texas. He rose to the rank of captain.

“Kootenai Health is very unique, and it is well positioned for its next phase of growth,” Smith said in a statement. “I’m excited to be joining such a strong organization with an outstanding board and a talented team.”

Katie Brodie, chair of the Kootenai Health board of trustees, said Smith was chosen from a host of strong candidates.

“Jamie not only brings exceptional health care leadership to the position, he also has the right mindset to be a great fit for Kootenai Health and our community,” Brodie said in a statement.

Traci Nordberg (Image: Lifepoint Health)

Lifepoint Health appoints head of people services

Traci Nordberg has been named the senior vice president of people services of Lifepoint Health, based in Brentwood, Tenn.

Nordberg oversees talent acquisition and management, staff development, and the employee experience for more than 50,000 workers, the system said.

“Traci is a dynamic leader who brings a wealth of experience and valuable perspective to her new role,” Jennifer Peters, executive vice president and chief administrative and legal officer of Lifepoint Health, said in a statement. “She has a clear vision for the future of People Services at Lifepoint, as well as a proven track record of building thriving company cultures and enhancing the employee experience.”

Nordberg comes to Lifepoint from Mass General Brigham in Boston where she served as senior vice president os human resources and enterprise business excellence.

Previously, Nordberg also served as the chief human resources officer for Vanderbilt Health and as vice president and chief human resources officer at Dartmouth University.

Catherine Hamilton (Saint Luke's Health System)

Saint Luke’s names leader of two hospitals

Catherine Hamilton has been named administrator of Hedrick Medical Center and Wright Memorial Hospital in northern Missouri.

Hamilton has been serving in an interim capacity since August 2023. The two hospitals are part of Saint Luke’s Health System, which has recently merged with BJC HealthCare to create the BJC Health System.

Hamilton has been with Saint Luke’s since 2011, most recently serving as chief nursing officer for the Saint Luke’s Critical Access Region.

“Catherine’s exceptional leadership and dedication have been evident throughout her time at Saint Luke’s,” Darren Bass, CEO of Saint Luke’s North and Critical Access Region, said in a statement.

“Her focus on delivering exceptional patient care and fostering collaboration will undoubtedly drive the success of these two hospitals. I look forward to working closely with Catherine as she takes on this important position and leads her teams to new heights.”

Mary Brobst (Memorial Health Care)

Memorial Health System names chief nursing officer

Mary Brobst has been named chief nursing officer of Memorial Health System.

Brobst has more than 14 years of experience in hospital administration and close to 30 years of experience in nursing. She began her leadership career as a supervisor, manager, and director within the Women’s & Children’s Service Line for BJC Health System and SSM Health System in St. Louis.

From 2008 to 2013, Brobst was the chief nursing officer of St. Clare Health Center in Fenton, Missouri, part of the SSM Health System. In 2013, she took the position of senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer for Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.