Donald L. Jernigan, Ph.D., was elected by the Board of Directors of Adventist Health System to serve as president/chief executive officer (CEO). Jernigan assumed full responsibilities on Mar. 1, 2006, when Thomas L. Werner officially retired as president/CEO.

"This is a tremendous honor and opportunity," said Jernigan. "I am blessed to be able to work with a superb team of leaders who share the same dedication of furthering our mission of health and healing." Jernigan previously served as executive vice president of Adventist Health System and CEO of Florida Hospital and the Florida Division. He formerly served as executive vice president of Adventist Health System and CEO of the Multistate Hospital Division, president of Tennessee Christian Medical Center and Adventist Health System's Tenn./Ga. region.

Jernigan also previously served as senior vice president of Adventist Health System and president of Metroplex Hospital in Killeen, Texas. Jernigan has a doctor of philosophy degree in physical chemistry from Baylor University and a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from the University of Texas–Arlington. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Healthcare Executives, board member of the Florida Hospital Association, Enterprise Florida, Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission and WMFE.

Jernigan has served on the boards of United Way and several chambers of commerce, as well as many other healthcare boards. "Don is a long-standing leader with significant accomplishments," said Walter Wright, board chairman. "The Board and I have complete confidence that he will successfully lead Adventist Health System towards future growth and success with a strong commitment to mission."

A nominating committee from the AHS Board began an evaluation process after Werner's retirement announcement on Nov. 10, 2005. The committee presented the Board with their recommendation on Feb. 23 at the Adventist Health System corporate office.

"It has been a rewarding experience for me to serve in leadership positions with Don Jernigan," said Werner. "I have no doubt that his leadership of Adventist Health System will result in an organization with an unwavering commitment to extend the healing ministry of Christ to the many communities to which our Seventh-day Adventist hospitals have the privilege to serve."

Kevin Edgerton, Adventist Health System communication director