Baptist Health System gains three new board members

Birmingham Baptist Asso­ciation (BBA) has moved closer to filling all open slots on Baptist Health System’s (BHS) 12-member board of trustees. Three new board members were named May 10, taking the total to 10.

Wayne Pate, a deacon of First Baptist Church, Birmingham; Roger Putnam, a deacon of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, Homewood; and Jim Hayes Jr., a member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church, Birmingham, were elected unanimously. “We’re elated to have such high-caliber businessmen to serve on the board,” said Ricky Creech, BBA director of missions.

Aubrey Miller, interim chairman of the BHS board, agreed, noting their records of community service. “The knowledge and talents these men bring to our board will serve [BHS] well in today’s challenging health care environment.”

Pate, former BHS board chairman, served as president of Golden Flake Snack Food for seven years. He served as president of the company’s parent organization, Golden Enterprises, from 1998 to 2000 before retiring.

Putnam worked for Republic Steel in Gadsden and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in both Gadsden and Akron, Ohio, before joining Alagasco in Birmingham in 1984 as plant engineer. Rising through the ranks, Pate is now vice president of technical services for the company.

Hayes serves as president of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. He also serves as a director for several banks in Alabama.

BHS President and CEO Beth O’Brien said, “With the broad talents and abilities of our growing board of trustees, we see a strong, vibrant future for our faith-based health ministry.”

Putnam said he is ready for the challenge. “I know there is a lot of work ahead. … I want to make a difference.”

Pate added that the trustees would “do the right thing for the system” as they work “under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.”

These appointments are part of the continuing BHS reorganization that began in 2003 as a solution to BHS’ financial situation. The final two trustees are expected to be named by July, Creech said. They will be members of Birmingham Baptist churches, because BHS bylaws require that seven Birmingham Baptists be on the board.     (BHS, TAB)