Rockdale Medical Center (RMC) announced today that Blake Watts will assume the role of chief operating officer (COO), effective April 18, 2016.

“We are pleased to have Blake join our leadership team,” said Rick Simons, Chair, Rockdale Medical Center Board of Trustees. “We are confident Blake will contribute to our ongoing efforts to provide the best possible care close to home for our community.”

Watts has significant leadership experience, most recently, having served as Vice President of Physician and Professional Services at St. Mary’s Health Care System in Athens, GA. Before joining St. Mary’s, he was employed by Piedmont Heart Institute, and prior to Piedmont, served as CEO of Barrow Regional Medical Center in Winder and COO for Walton Regional Medical Center in Monroe. He also served in various positions at Phoebe Putney Health System in Albany, Ga., and was an administrator and executive officer in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps. His experiences, skills and talents will benefit the hospital employees, physicians, volunteers and patients, as well as the entire community.

Watts earned his master’s degrees in administration and business administration from Georgia Southwestern University in Americus, Ga., and his undergraduate degree from Mercer University in Macon. He is board certified in healthcare administration and a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is married with two children, ages 16 and 8.

About Rockdale Medical Center

Rockdale Medical Center is a 138-bed acute-care hospital that offers an extensive range of in-patient and out-patient services and leading-edge technology. Rockdale Medical Center is fully accredited by The Joint Commission which evaluates hospital patient care for quality, safety and value. Rockdale Medical Center is part of LifePoint Health®, a leading hospital company focused on providing quality healthcare services close to home. For more information about Rockdale Medical Center, please call (770) 918-3000 or visit www.rockdalemedicalcenter.org.