Troy Regional Medical Center CEO Ronald “Ronnie” E. Dean is leaving the hospital to take over CEO duties at the South Georgia Health System (SGHS) in Valdosta.

The Troy Hospital Health Care Authority announced Dean’s resignation on Wednesday.

Dean has served as Chief Executive Officer of Troy Regional Medical Center since June 2016. Before coming to Troy Regional Medical Center, Dean had spent the majority of his 36-year health care career in Dothan.

“We regret Ronnie’s departure, but remain extremely grateful for Ronnie’s leadership of Troy Regional Medical Center over the past three years,” said Sherrill Crowe, chairman of the Troy Hospital health Car authority. “During this time, we have experienced significant growth and remarkable improvements in our hospital’s overall performance. Ronnie has been a passionate champion for providing the best healthcare possible here in this region and we thank him for his service to Troy Regional Medical Center and the Troy/Pike County community and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Dean said he is privileged “to have worked for The Troy Hospital Health Care Authority and alongside the dedicated employees, physicians and volunteers of Troy Regional Medical Center,” Dean said. “I could not have asked for more support from our board of directors, the Troy City Council and community members at large. The results of this team’s work is truly remarkable and I believe Troy Regional Medical Center is poised to provide even greater services for a growing community. It is a very special place to receive health care and I am deeply grateful to have been a part of this team of remarkable people.”

Under Dean’s leadership a significant number of milestone accomplishments were realized, none of which more important than the advancement of specialty care. The opening of an 18 bed Senior Behavioral Care Unit and the Troy Regional Cancer Center are two of several advancements in care at Troy Regional Medical Center.

“We have realized significant gains and have the highest confidence in our employees and the remaining members of the executive team that we will continue to make even more progress in our hospital operations. The hospital board will begin a review of potential candidates for Ronnie’s replacement and feel confident a successor will be named in the near future.”

“Ronnie has done a tremendous job leading Troy Regional Medical Center,” said Mayor Jason Reeves. “He’s put us on a very positive path moving forward and assembled a good team. We hate to see him go but certainly understand this is a huge opportunity for him and his family. We wish him well, and we’re going to do everything we need to do to keep Troy Regional moving on the right path.”

At SGHS, Dean assumes responsibility of a four-campus, three-hospital system that is anchored by the 330-bed South Georgia Medical Center. The system includes a comprehensive array of health care delivery services and programs.