MOULTRIE, GA —“Jessica’s recognition is well deserved and reflects the tremendous impact she has made on our organization and the communities we serve,” said Colquitt Regional President & CEO Jim Matney. “Her ability to build relationships, bring people together and turn opportunities into meaningful programs has helped strengthen our health system and expand access to care throughout rural Georgia. Her work in developing our graduate medical education programs is an important part of ensuring that our region has access to the healthcare professionals it needs now and in the future.”
“I’m deeply honored and humbled to receive the Outstanding Woman in Healthcare Award from the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals,” said Rivenbark. “It has been my great privilege to work at Colquitt Regional with a team of talented, dedicated, and determined people who are committed to improving healthcare access for our community. This award reflects their hard work and the pride we all share in what Colquitt Regional Health System continues to achieve.”
The Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals represents not-for-profit hospitals and healthcare systems across the state. The Outstanding Woman in Healthcare Award recognizes women whose leadership and efforts have made a meaningful impact on healthcare in Georgia.
Throughout her career at Colquitt Regional, Rivenbark has helped bring together healthcare organizations, educational institutions and state leaders to address the needs of rural communities. Among her contributions is being a key player in the development of Colquitt Regional’s graduate medical education program, which includes residency programs and partnerships in Family Medicine, Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and General Surgery. These programs help strengthen the physician workforce while providing training opportunities that address the healthcare needs of rural patients.
“It is no secret that Georgia, and especially our rural areas, suffers from an acute shortage of qualified, certified healthcare workers, without whom hospitals are nothing more than expensive buildings,” said President and CEO of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals Monty Veazey. “While Governor Brian Kemp, our elected and appointed officials at all levels, and the healthcare industry have been working collaboratively to improve Georgia’s career pipeline for healthcare professionals, we still rely on local people in local hospitals for innovative ways to meet this current and future need. Jessica Rivenbark, Vice President of Medical Education for Colquitt Regional Health System, is one of the hospital leaders who is doing that work every day to bridge the gap between the big picture and the specific needs of their community.”
Veazey also recognized Rivenbark’s ability to connect statewide healthcare priorities with the specific needs of rural communities, as well as her role in developing collaborative solutions to workforce challenges, including the Rural Track Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency partnership.
Colquitt County Hospital Authority Chairman John Griffin also congratulated Rivenbark on the achievement, noting the importance of her leadership in advancing healthcare across the region.
“Jessica understands that improving healthcare in rural Georgia takes collaboration, thoughtful planning and a commitment to meeting the needs of our communities,” said Griffin. “Her work has helped position Colquitt Regional as a leader in developing innovative solutions to healthcare workforce challenges. We are proud to see her contributions recognized at the state level and grateful for the difference she continues to make for our patients and our region.”
Rivenbark’s recognition reflects Colquitt Regional’s continued commitment to advancing healthcare, strengthening the rural healthcare workforce and developing innovative partnerships that improve access to care throughout Southwest Georgia.
About Colquitt Regional Health System
Colquitt Regional Health System is a comprehensive healthcare provider serving South Georgia. Through its hospital, physician practices, senior care and rehabilitation, home care services, and graduate medical education programs, Colquitt Regional offers a wide range of healthcare services to the region. Among its numerous recognitions and distinctions, the organization has earned 22 “A” Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group, holds a Level IV Trauma Center designation, and is a twice-designated Pathway to Excellence® organization. Guided by its vision to be the first choice for quality and compassionate healthcare, innovative practice, and superior medical education, Colquitt Regional is committed to advancing healthcare throughout the region.
