Special to the
Opelika Observer
Alfred F. Cook, Jr., Vice Chairman of Montgomery-based AmeriFirst Bank, announced last week that East Alabama Medical Center President and CEO Laura D. Grill has joined the bank’s Board of Directors.
Grill was recently named as one of the top five hospital administrators during the COVID-19 pandemic in a study published by Indianapolis emergency physician Dr. Louis M. Profeta. She had been affiliated with EAMC for 26 years prior to being named President and CEO in October, 2019.
A native of Birmingham, Grill began her medical career with studies at both the University of Alabama and UAB, from which she earned her nursing degree. After several nursing stints across the Southeast, Grill moved to Opelika in 1992 to become the hospital’s Director of Cardiology. Three years later, she was named Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer.
In 2008, she was named Chief Operating Officer and, subsequently, Executive Vice President /Administrator. She has been quoted as noting that the hospital must continue to grow to meet the community’s needs.
According to bank President and CEO Bob Ramsey, “the invitation extended to Ms. Grill to join our Board of Directors further amplifies our commitment to Lee County and to providing exemplary banking services for business owners and families across the area. We are delighted to welcome Ms. Grill to our Board, as her leadership and particular insight into Auburn and Opelika will serve our customers well for many years to come,” he added.
