Beaufort Memorial Announces Courtney Smith as Chief Operating Officer

Beaufort Memorial has named Courtney Smith as the organization’s first Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Operations.

Smith’s new role will ensure that the growing community health system continues its legacy of operational efficiency as its second hospital takes form and prepares to open its doors in Bluffton in early 2027.

“As this organization grows, the leadership of this health system is evolving,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “Courtney has led Beaufort Memorial and its operations team through big changes – including the COVID-19 pandemic – and will play an important role as this organization prepares to expand further with the opening of the Bluffton Community Hospital.”

Formerly the Beaufort Memorial Associate Vice President of Operations, Smith oversees operational functions across the organization and leading initiatives to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes.

As COO, she will manage day-to-day operations, including operational support systems such as imaging, rehab services, dietary and environmental services and plant services, also overseeing facility improvements and capital investments.

She joined Beaufort Memorial in 2019 as Director of Special Projects and led the development of the health system’s Preoperative Assessment Clinic (PAC), which has become a key component of the Beaufort Memorial Total Joint Program by improving surgical outcomes through comprehensive patient preparation prior to surgery.

Before joining Beaufort Memorial, Smith spent 12 years with Eli Lilly & Co., where she worked with hospitals nationwide to improve clinical outcomes and operational performance.

Smith holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Georgia and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She and her husband, Canada, have three grown children and live in Beaufort.

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