Phoebe Putney Health System hires new chief human resources officer

ALBANY – Phoebe Putney Health System announced recently the hiring of Tony Welch as senior vice president and chief human resources officer.

Welch, who will assume his new role on Feb. 1, currently holds similar roles at Southeast Health in Dothan, Ala., which comprises a 420-bed acute care hospital, an employed physician group, a residency program and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine.

“Phoebe is an outstanding health system that delivers world-class health care and provides a supportive and fulfilling work environment for the 4,500 members of the Phoebe Family,” Welch said. “I look forward to joining that family and working to ensure we continue to recruit and retain highly-qualified workers who are committed to offering top-quality care and service to the people of southwest Georgia.”

Welch earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree from Webster University in St. Louis. He previously worked for health systems in South Carolina, Kentucky, Florida and Alabama and recently served as president of Alabama Health Care Human Resources Professionals with the Alabama Hospital Association.

“Tony has enjoyed a long and successful career in health care human resources, and we are excited that he will lead our exceptional team of HR professionals,” Joe Austin, chief operating officer and executive vice president for the health system, said. “We conducted an extensive nationwide search, and we are confident that Tony’s wealth of knowledge and experience make him the right person for this job.

“With his history of implementing projects resulting in a more engaged work force, we look forward to him bringing similar successes to Phoebe.”

Jennifer Parks