Huntsville Hospital CEO David Spillers Stepping Down

Spillers, who has guided the system since 2006, will retire in July, according to a news release. Jeff Samz, executive vice president and COO, will succeed Spillers.

“It has been a great ride but it’s time to do some things that I have not taken the time to do while working,” Spillers said in the release. “I have been privileged over the past 33 years to work in healthcare during a period of incredible changes and challenges. None have been bigger than the pandemic that we face today. Our team has performed incredibly well and I am confident that we will ultimately win this battle.

“We’ve served our community for 125 years but there is more work to be done. I am also blessed to work with what I consider to be the best leadership team and the best board that any health system could have. I can step away knowing that what we have built here will continue to thrive and grow.”

“Spillers has led the Health System to “unparalleled growth and success,” said Philip Bentley, chairman of the Health Care Authority governing board. Spillers will continue to serve the system as a consultant, he said.

Major achievements of Spillers’ 15-year tenure in Huntsville include the opening of Madison  Hospital in 2012; and the rapid development of HH Health System which is now comprised of hospitals in Athens, Decatur, Sheffield, Red Bay, Boaz, and Guntersville, along with affiliate relationships with  other hospitals in the Tennessee Valley.

Total employment of the Health System exceeds 15,000, making  the organization among the top five largest publicly-owned health systems in the nation. New  technologies, services, and facilities have been completed across the region under Spillers’ leadership,  including massive renovations in Decatur and new construction in Athens. In Huntsville, a seven-story,  $175 million Orthopedic & Spine Tower is scheduled for completion this summer.  

Bentley noted Spillers’ leadership during the pandemic, as well.

“David’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic may be his greatest accomplishment,” Bentley said. “Few leaders could do what he has done as our hospitals have  responded to the crisis.

“David has always kept our team focused on quality, safety and  service. Our patients are getting outstanding care in all of our facilities. We will be forever grateful for  his contributions.”  

Samz has been COO since 2009 and has nearly 30 years experience in hospital administration, including Vanderbilt Health in Nashville and Duke Health and Mission Health in North Carolina.

“You can’t find a more qualified person to be the next CEO of this system,” said Spillers. “I am  happy for the organization and for Jeff that he will succeed me.”  

Bentley echoed Spillers’ comments: “We have the utmost confidence in Jeff.  He is well prepared to lead our organization. We know him and trust that under his leadership we will  continue to excel.”

Spillers said that he would remain in Huntsville after retiring.

“Cindy and I love Huntsville. It’s  our home now,” he said. “Running a system like ours consumes most of your time. I look forward to having more  time to do the things I have put off for many years.”