Kurt Stuenkel, president of Atrium Health Floyd in Rome, has been honored with the prestigious W. Daniel Barker Leadership Award by the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA). The award recognizes Stuenkel’s long-standing dedication to the health system and his successful efforts in fostering its growth to enhance community access to quality care.

Stuenkel, who began his career at Atrium Health Floyd in 1981 and has led the organization as president since 1996, was nominated for the esteemed award by Delvecchio Finley, Atrium Health Georgia president.

“Kurt Stuenkel has devoted his career to ensuring that northwest Georgians and northeast Alabama residents have access to quality care that is close to their homes, schools, and places of work,” said Finley. “He is a visionary leader whose business acumen and sense of purpose have helped Atrium Health Floyd to thrive and grow at a time when Georgia’s community hospitals are threatened.”

Under Stuenkel’s leadership, Atrium Health Floyd has undergone significant transformations and expansions. He spearheaded two major cultural revolutions: the first focused on elevating customer service and teammate satisfaction, earning the organization numerous accolades. The second involved the adoption of Lean Six Sigma and GE Workout methodologies, leading to over 17,000 documented operational changes and an impressive $200 million in realized savings or revenue enhancements. His tenure has also seen numerous construction projects, the expansion of services, and a passionate advocacy for rural health services.

A recognized community convener and collaborator, Stuenkel secured crucial contracts with various public and private school districts, establishing Atrium Health Floyd as their Official Health Care Provider. This initiative led to the operation of 47 school clinics equipped with virtual care technology, ensuring students have immediate access to healthcare.

Furthermore, Stuenkel’s vision extended to workforce development. He guided Atrium Health Floyd in forging agreements with Georgia Highlands College and Georgia Northwestern Technical College, creating educational opportunities and a vital pipeline for students pursuing health care-related careers. He also provided the impetus for the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation, which, in just two years, has awarded $2.6 million in community grants and secured an additional $6 million in donations and sponsorships, all dedicated to improving health care and access in the communities served.

Beyond his role as president of Atrium Health Floyd, Stuenkel serves as the executive sponsor for advancing rural health for Atrium Health’s North Carolina & Georgia Division, spanning four southeastern states. A testament to this commitment, Atrium Health Floyd, under his guidance, opened Georgia’s first from-the-ground-up, stand-alone emergency department in rural Chattooga County in 2023. The organization also operates critical rural hospitals and medical practices in Cherokee County, Alabama, and Polk County, Georgia.

“Kurt Stuenkel has dedicated the better part of his career to finding innovative ways to increase access to care for residents in the community and surrounding areas,” said Caylee Noggle, GHA President and CEO. “Throughout the years, whether focusing on improving patient satisfaction and enhancing process improvement or helping people overcome obstacles to health and wellness, Kurt has made it his mission to ensure patients and community residents can access the care they need.”

About the Georgia Hospital Association: The Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) is the state’s leading advocate for hospitals and health care systems, providing leadership, representation, and services to shape healthy communities.

About Atrium Health Floyd: Atrium Health Floyd is a healthcare network serving Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama. A part of Atrium Health, one of the nation’s leading healthcare systems, Atrium Health Floyd is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care close to home.