MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Two Wiregrass healthcare leaders have been elected to key leadership positions with the Alabama Hospital Association (AlaHA) Board of Trustees for 2026 following elections held during the organization’s annual meeting.
According to the Alabama Hospital Association, Vernon Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Dale Medical Center, will serve as Immediate Past Chair of the AlaHA Board of Trustees after completing his term as board chair during the 2025-26 term.
“These leaders bring decades of healthcare leadership experience, strong operational expertise, and a deep commitment to their communities,” said Danne Howard, president and CEO of the Alabama Hospital Association. “Their continued service will help guide our work to support hospitals and improve care across Alabama.”
Johnson began his career at Dale Medical Center in 1994 as a respiratory therapist before being named CEO in 2003. He has more than 40 years of healthcare leadership experience and has served the Alabama Hospital Association in several leadership positions, including Southeast Regional Council president, secretary-treasurer and chair-elect.
In addition to his work with AlaHA, Johnson has served on several state healthcare boards and remains active in the Wiregrass community through organizations including the Ozark Dale Economic Development Board, Ozark Chamber of Commerce, Dale County United Way, Boys and Girls Club of Ozark, Wallace Community College’s Associate Degree Nursing Program Advisory Board and the Wiregrass United Way Board.
Flowers Hospital Vice President of Business Development Jeff Brannon was also re-elected as Alabama’s Delegate to the American Hospital Association and will continue serving as a Member-at-Large on the AlaHA Board of Trustees.
Brannon brings more than 30 years of healthcare administration experience and has previously served as chief executive officer at Flowers Hospital, Wiregrass Medical Center and Nursing Home, Monroe County Hospital and Medical Center Enterprise. He also spent 13 years as vice president of clinical services at Flowers Hospital.
For more than two decades, Brannon has served the Alabama Hospital Association in a variety of leadership roles, including multiple terms on the Board of Trustees and as board chair. He currently chairs AlaHA’s Workforce Task Force and HOSPAC, while also serving on statewide healthcare initiatives appointed by the governor.
Founded in 1921, the Alabama Hospital Association is a statewide trade organization that supports member hospitals through advocacy, education, representation and services aimed at improving healthcare across Alabama.
