October 14, 2019 – Southeast Georgia Health System has named
Stanford “Tripp” O. Stephens III, vice president, Support Services, following Marjorie Mathieu’s
announcement to retire from the position.
In addition to overseeing the completion of the
Master Renovation and Expansion Project of the Health System’s
Brunswick Campus, Stephens’ areas of responsibility will include Central Transportation,
Clinical Engineering, Environmental Services, Facilities Management, Food
& Nutrition Services, Laundry & Linen, Project Management, Property
Management and Safety & Security.
“Since joining the Health System in 2009, Tripp has successfully
demonstrated his ability to lead and direct multiple construction, renovation
and expansion projects as well as identify and implement initiatives to
improve operating efficiency, cost control and service delivery,” says
Michael D. Scherneck, president and CEO, Southeast Georgia Health System. “We are in
the midst of some demanding times with our Brunswick Campus Master Renovation
and Expansion Project, and I am confident that Tripp is well prepared
to handle the challenges that project demands along with his new responsibilities.”
Scherneck added, “Marjorie played an integral role in the growth
of our Health System during her 16 year tenure. Her accomplishments included
the construction of more than nine new buildings, such as the six-floor
Outpatient Care Center, the St. Simons Medical Office Building, Medical
Plazas in both Brunswick and Camden, and the
Nunnally House. She also successfully oversaw the upgrade of the
CyberKnife and linear accelerator in the
Cancer Care Center, and the renovations of the
Senior Care Center-Brunswick and the
Miriam & Hugh Nunnally Maternity Care Center. She consolidated the laboratories system-wide and created a central transportation
function that includes patient transport, valet, fleet and courier services
to all our facilities. Marjorie also coordinated the G-8 activities for
the Health System in 2004, acting as a liaison with the Secret Service
and the White House Medical Team. We wish Marjorie the very best and hope
that she truly enjoys her retirement.”
Stephens joined Southeast Georgia Health System in 2009 as a facility manager.
He steadily progressed to leadership roles with increased responsibilities
and was promoted to director of Facilities Management in 2013, overseeing
the Maintenance/Plant Operations, Construction/Project Management, Environmental
Services, Clinical Engineering, Laundry & Linen, Valet, Courier and
Central Transportation departments.
Prior to joining the Health System, Stephens was employed with Sumter Regional
Hospital (now Phoebe Sumter), where he served as a maintenance technician
before advancing to assistant director of Plant Operations. In 2007, Sumter
Regional Hospital was completely destroyed by an EF-3 tornado. Stephens
was heavily involved in their mitigation and recovery efforts and oversaw
the construction of the interim replacement hospital.
Originally from Montezuma, Georgia, Stephens earned his bachelor degree
in Business Administration from Georgia Southwestern State University.
He is a Certified Healthcare Facility Manager, a Certified Healthcare
Constructor and a Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Manager.
He also holds the Senior Designation of the American Society for Healthcare
Engineers. Stephens was awarded Engineer of the Year in 2010 by the Georgia
Society for Healthcare Engineers and Emerging Regional Leader in 2012
by the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (Region 4), a division
of the American Hospital Association. He currently serves as a Commissioner
for the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water & Sewer Commission, and previously
served on the Keep Golden Isles Beautiful board. In addition, he previously
held leadership positions for both the Georgia Society for Healthcare
Engineers and the Georgia Association for Healthcare Facility Managers.