Tate County’s lone hospital is under new leadership following the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer.
Highland Hills Medical Center Board of Trustees accepted the resignation of Josh Hammons, CEO, Thursday, Jan. 9.
The Board of Trustees made the announcement in a press release the same day.
“Please note that we, the Board of Trustees, formally and regretfully accepted today the resignation of Josh Hammons as CEO of HHMC,” stated the release. “We express our deep gratitude to Josh for his leadership and expertise. The hospital has made significant strides during Josh’s tenure, and we look forward to continuing that progress in the future.”
Hammons came to Tate County in January 2021 to oversee operations at the hospital, then called Delta Health Highland Hills, but the hospital officially opened it’s doors July 29, 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial service lines included 24/7 emergency and inpatient care, along with radiology and laboratory services. Hammons was heavily involved in the renovations of the building and in almost every aspect of opening the health care facility.
Tate County Board of Supervisors purchased the hospital May 1, 2023, from Delta Health Systems. The hospital’s name then changed to Highland Hills Medical Center.
Upon purchasing the hospital, the Board of Supervisors appointed the current Board of Trustees to oversee operations at the hospital. Members are Parke Pepper, Mike Zech, Ronnie King, Craig Shideler and Greg Freeman.
During his tenure at the hospital, Hammons helped the hospital earn accreditation from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in August of 2024. In 2023, Hammons was awarded the Regent’s Award from the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Also of note, when statewide many hospitals are closing or downsizing, Hammons kept Tate County’s hospital off the list of failing hospitals. In 2024, Hammons helped secure $1.5 million from the state’s legislative session and $8.5 million from a federal grant.
The Board of Trustees announced Jenny Miller will serve as interim CEO. Miller arrived to Tate County with Hammons in 2021 after working with him in Vicksburg, Miss. Miller served as the Chief Nursing Officer.
“Lastly, we again express our gratitude to Josh and wish him and his family well in the future. We also extend our full support to Jenny and the entire HHMC team as we move forward together,” stated the hospital Board.
According to several sources who wished not to be recognized, Hammons’ move wasn’t voluntary nor suggested by the Board of Trustees.
On Dec. 30, 2024, the Board of Supervisors met with the hospital Board to discuss operations at HHMC. Board of Supervisors President Tony Sandridge was absent from the meeting. Minutes of the meeting reflect the Board of Trustees failed to act on the recommendations of the Board of Supervisors.
Several anonymous sources confirmed the Board of Supervisors instead threatened to withhold the hospital’s line of credit until Hammons was removed as CEO.
HHMC employs approximately 70 high paying full-time jobs and approximately 30 part-time jobs. Services offered by the hospital include a 24/7 physician-staffed Emergency Department and a clinic which offers the public access to outpatient services through the laboratory and radiology departments. The hospital also boasts a state-of-the art Women’s Center which offers mammograms and bone density tests.
