Special to the Opelika Observer
Terry Andrus, president of East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, was recently presented the Gold Medal of Excellence by the Alabama Hospital Association at its annual meeting. The award is the highest honor given to a health care executive in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to hospitals, both locally and statewide.
“Terry is more than deserving of this award,” said J. Michael Horsley, FACHE, president of the Alabama Hospital Association. “He is an exemplary hospital CEO and a dedicated association leader. He has always been willing to serve in any capacity, including being on our board, chairing various committees and recently serving as chairman of the board for two consecutive terms.”
The resolution presented to Andrus at the meeting noted the tremendous respect of his peers for his vision and his collaborative spirit, as well as his practical and inclusive leadership style. It also highlighted his significant accomplishments at EAMC, including the hospital’s numerous recognitions by Fortune Magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” and its many awards for success in quality and patient safety.
Andrus has served on the State Committee of Public Health and on the boards of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and Premier, Inc. He is a past recipient of the American College of Healthcare Executives’ Regent’s Award, SunHealth’s Service to Alliance Award and the 2009 AlaHA Grassroots Champion Award.
Andrus earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of New Orleans and his master’s in health administration from Georgia State University.