Martinsville, VA – (June 13, 2019) – Sovah Health - Martinsville today announced that Dale F. Alward, FACHE, has been named its chief executive officer (CEO). Alward joins the hospital from Twin County Regional Healthcare, a Duke LifePoint Healthcare facility in Galax, Va., where he served as CEO for two years. Alward will replace Michael Erhat, who previously served as CEO.
“Dale is a seasoned leader with a strong passion and commitment to high quality, patient-centered care,” said Jamie Carter, Eastern Division president of LifePoint Health, of which Sovah Health is a part. “We are thrilled to welcome Dale to Martinsville to explore new ways that Sovah Health - Martinsville – and the entire Sovah Health network – can enhance the ways they work together to achieve our mission of Making Communities Healthier.”
Alward is well-versed in hospital operations, community relations, and quality and patient safety. He served in the U.S. Air Force Medical Service in Hospital Administration for more than two decades before transitioning into private sector healthcare in 2007. He has held leadership roles at hospitals including Mercy Hospital in Miami, Fl.; Englewood Community Hospital in Englewood, Fl.; Terre Haute Regional Hospital in Terre Haute, Ind.; Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond, Va.; and Bon Secours – Memorial Regional Medical Center in Mechanicsville, Va.
“Dale’s experience in diverse hospitals, track record of success and dedication to employees, physicians and patients made him the ideal candidate to lead Sovah Health - Martinsville into the future,” said Alan Larson, market president, Sovah Health and CEO, Sovah Health – Danville. “We look forward working with him to continue the positive momentum we have in Martinsville and advance the hospital’s efforts to provide quality care close to home to the people of Henry County and surrounding communities.”
Alward holds a Master of Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia and Master of Public Administration from Troy University. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Regent-Excelsior College.
“Sovah Health - Martinsville is a phenomenal hospital and I am honored to join its team,” said Alward. “Martinsville is a beautiful town with an incredible community, and I look forward to collaborating with the hospital’s staff, physicians, board and partners to enhance the care and services we provide and examine how we can improve the health of the region.”
