DCH’s Newest CEO Pledges Accountability and Transparency While Serving in New Role

Katrina Keefer said she pledges to be "transparent, visible and accountable" to the Tuscaloosa community after beginning her role as DCH's newest CEO.

As previously reported, Keefer assumed the role on August 1 following the announcement of Bryan Kindred's retirement in April after 30 years of serving as CEO.

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Keefer was present at the Tuscaloosa City Council meeting Tuesday night, where she spoke of the warm welcome she received from Mayor Walt Maddox, who personally sent her a text Monday morning, welcoming her to the city.

"I am pleased to be a part of your city," Keefer said. "It's been fun to watch Tuscaloosa from a far and now it's very fun to watch up-close and be a part of that and I look forward to working with you to not only address sick people in the hospital, but the healthy ones in the community."

Keefer said she is focusing internally to establish an executive team to focus on improving patient care and quality.

In a welcome video from Keefer, she thanked the DCH board of directors for entrusting her to lead the team to ensure "the best patient outcomes and experiences in a family-centered environment."

Keefer, a Monroeville, AL native, joins the team after serving as CEO of Augusta University Health in Georgia. She said she left the state of Alabama twice to attend graduate school and after assuming her role in Georgia but has no plans of leaving the Druid City anytime soon.

"Y'all better get used to me because I'm staying right here," Keefer said.

Stay connected with the Tuscaloosa Thread for future updates on the DCH Health System.