USA Health’s Owen Bailey honored with Gold Medal of Excellence by Alabama Hospital Association

By Casandra Andrews
[email protected]

Owen Bailey, MSHA, FACHE, chief executive officer and senior associate vice president for medical affairs of USA Health, the health system for the University of South Alabama, was recently awarded the Alabama Hospital Association’s highest honor, the Gold Medal of Excellence.

This recognition is the most prestigious award given by the Alabama Hospital Association (AlaHA), reserved for those who demonstrate outstanding leadership in healthcare at the local and state level. The award is not presented annually, but only when an individual’s contributions merit the association’s highest recognition.

“Owen Bailey embodies the very best of healthcare leadership in Alabama,” said Donald E. Williamson, M.D., president, and CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association. “Through decades of service, he has led with humility, conviction, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of those he serves. His leadership has helped shape a stronger healthcare landscape across our state, and it is a privilege to recognize him with this honor.”

Bailey announced in May that he will retire from USA Health in August.

“It’s wonderful to see Owen recognized by the Alabama Hospital Association for his meaningful contributions to the state group and our academic health system,” said USA President Jo Bonner. “All of us here at USA are profoundly grateful for his servant leadership and years of service working to ensure access to compassionate healthcare for those who need it most.”

With 38 years in healthcare administration, Bailey has served as CEO of USA Health since 2016. Under his leadership, the academic health system has undergone transformative growth marked by significant expansions in care delivery sites across southern Alabama. He has championed innovation and access to care, resulting in enhanced services.

“We are delighted but not surprised by Owen’s recognition from the Alabama Hospital Association,” said John V. Marymont, M.D., MBA, vice president for medical affairs and dean of the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine. “With nearly four decades of service to healthcare teams, patients and community members in our region, we are extremely proud of the lasting legacy he is leaving for future generations.”

Bailey has been an active leader at both state and national levels. A Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, he has served on numerous boards, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, the Business Council of Alabama — where he currently chairs the Health Committee — the University of Mobile, and the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. He is also a past chairman of the Alabama Hospital Association, the Southwest Council of AlaHA, the Mobile Area Education Foundation, and the Southwest Alabama Workforce Development Council.

His dedication to the healthcare field has earned him widespread recognition, including Modern Healthcare’s Up and Comer Award, ACHE’s Young Healthcare Executive of the Year and Regent’s Award, the American Hospital Association’s Grassroots Champion Award, AlaHA’s Distinguished Service Award, and inclusion in Becker’s Academic Medical Center CEOs to Know list for two years in a row.

A native of Mobile, Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree in health administration from Auburn University where he served as drum major of the Auburn University Marching Band. Bailey also earned a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He and his wife, Genie, have four adult children.

Prior to joining USA, Bailey led Fairhope’s Thomas Hospital as president and chief executive officer from 1992 to 2006 before joining Infirmary Health System as an executive vice president, serving from 2006 to 2011.

“This award is not given lightly,” Williamson said. “It reflects not only a record of exceptional service, but also the lasting influence of a leader who has shaped the future of healthcare in Alabama. We are proud to honor Owen Bailey for his lifelong commitment to advancing health and transforming lives.”