Phoebe Putney Health System announced on Thursday the hiring of Tony Welch, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, as Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.  Welch currently holds similar roles at Southeast Health in Dothan, AL.  Southeast Health is a system much like Phoebe, comprised of a 420-bed acute care hospital, an employed physician group, a residency program and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine.
 
“Tony has enjoyed a long and successful career in healthcare human resources, and we are excited that he will lead our exceptional team of HR professionals.  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 workforce, we look forward to him bringing similar successes to Phoebe,” said Joe Austin, PPHS Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
 
Welch earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina and a master’s degree from Webster University in St. Louis, MO.  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.
 
“Phoebe is an outstanding health system which delivers world-class healthcare and provides a supportive and fulfilling work environment for the 4,500 members of the Phoebe Family.  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 said.
 
Welch’s first day on the job at Phoebe will be Feb, 1, 2019.