Jackson Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama, has taken a critical step in its effort to avert closure, announcing a major leadership overhaul including the appointment of John Quinlivan, a familiar name in Northwest Georgia healthcare circles, as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Quinlivan, who previously served for many years as the CEO of Redmond Hospital (now AdventHealth Redmond) in Rome, Georgia, officially took the helm effective Monday. His immediate mandate is to guide the financially distressed facility out of bankruptcy and implement a comprehensive restructuring plan.

Jackson Hospital declared bankruptcy earlier this year after defaulting on approximately $60 million in bonds, leaving its future uncertain and sparking concerns across the Alabama River Region.

Quinlivan brings decades of experience, including overseeing hospital systems in Florida and Northwest Georgia, following a career in the U.S. Army Medical Service Corps.

In a press release announcing his appointment, Quinlivan expressed cautious optimism about the hospital’s prospects.

“Jackson Hospital has been through tremendous challenges, but I’ve seen what’s possible when you combine caring, engaged leadership with dedicated staff to make the changes needed for the health and vitality of critical community facilities like this,” Quinlivan said.

“The foundation is here. Now we need to bring together the right plan, the right partnerships and relentless execution to ensure Jackson Hospital can continue serving Montgomery and the Alabama River Region.”

New Board Focused on Restructuring

The announcement of new leadership comes alongside significant changes to the hospital’s governance structure. The hospital also appointed three new members to its board of trustees—Charles Evans, Jeff Crudele, and Gary M. Murphey—all of whom specialize in either hospital management or company restructuring.

According to the hospital’s statement, the new board, which assumed leadership on October 31, 2025, is poised to bring “vital healthcare and financial competencies to guide the organization through restructuring, a feasible bankruptcy recovery plan, essential infrastructure repairs, payer contract improvements and operational resets.”

These leadership changes arrive as the hospital seeks a massive influx of public funding necessary for survival.

Funding Contingent on State Commitment

Jackson Hospital requires $50 million in combined public grants to stay open. Local governments have already stepped up, with both the Montgomery City Council and the Montgomery County Commission voting to provide a combined $25 million in grant money.

However, both local commitments are strictly contingent on the state of Alabama meeting the hospital’s remaining financial need—an additional $25 million.

The stability of the hospital’s leadership structure had been a key concern cited by state officials regarding any potential financial commitment.

In an October 22 statement, Mike Lewis, deputy communications director for Gov. Kay Ivey, emphasized the need for a viable long-term strategy before taxpayer funds are dedicated to the facility.

“The health and safety of citizens served by Jackson Hospital is of paramount concern to Governor Ivey, but so is the responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” Lewis said. “All options are currently under consideration, but any state financial support must be predicated by a responsible sustainability plan to ensure Jackson Hospital’s long-term viability.”

The hospital hopes that the appointment of Quinlivan and the experienced new board—focused heavily on financial recovery and system efficiency—will address the state’s demand for a credible sustainability plan and unlock the necessary state funding.