Emily Brown, RN, MSN, is named new interim CAO at Calhoun Liberty Hospital
BLOUNTSTOWN, FL – Emily Brown RN, MSN has been named Interim Chief Administration Officer (CAO) at Calhoun Liberty Hospital (CLH). The addition of Brown to the CLH leadership team comes as work ramps up on construction of a new 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility set to open summer of 2025.
Brown brings over two decades of healthcare, administrative and management experience to CLH. She will oversee day-to-day operations as current CEO Christinia Jepsen transitions to focus on management of the nearly $40 million construction project. Jepsen has been the point person for the project since planning began shortly after Hurricane Michael damaged the current facility and reduced capacity and operations to 40 percent in 2018.
“Chris Jepsen has been in the trenches with us every step as we’ve worked towards a new hospital,” said Mark Plummer, Chairman of the Calhoun Liberty Hospital Association, Inc. (CLHA) Board of Directors. “We are proud of the strides made under her leadership as CEO and look forward to continuing to work together to get this project across the finish line.”
In 2020, Jepsen led the CLH team through the Covid-19 pandemic, which presented unprecedented challenges for healthcare facilities across the globe. Despite increased responsibilities to secure and coordinate funding for the new hospital, Jepsen kept CLH operations running smoothly. Under her tenure, in 2023 CLH notably passed the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration’s (AHCA) biennial survey with zero findings of deficiencies in all areas assessed.Achieving a survey with no findings from AHCA is a significant benchmark for excellence in healthcare and confirms that operational, clinical and administrative practices are not only compliant but exemplary within the industry. In 2024 CLH was also named one of the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the country by The Chartis Center for Rural Health.
As Brown takes the lead on operations, she will focus on building relationships with medical staff, as well as volume growth for the facility, colleague engagement and culture, leadership development and overall quality, safety and compliance.
“I am honored to join the leadership team at CLH and will work diligently to serve our team, patients and community to ensure superior patient care is delivered,” said Brown.
A native of Liberty County, FL, Brown most recently served as administrator of Tallahassee Memorial Home Health Care where she oversaw operations, human resources, budgets and revenue growth. During her time there, she continually exceeded organizational goals and achieved 5-star patient satisfaction and substantial revenue growth. Brown prides herself on a strategic approach to administration as she is proficient in business management, sales, marketing and budgeting, which ensures a holistic approach to healthcare administration. She also has extensive experience in maintaining compliance with healthcare regulations, including AHCA and Joint Commission standards.
“We are delighted at the opportunity to have Emily Brown serve as the Interim Chief Administrative Officer at Calhoun Liberty Hospital,” said TMH Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer and Big Bend Health Alliance (BBHA) Board Member Ryan Smith. “Emily has a tremendous track record as a TMH administrator leading quality outcomes and providing access to care. She will be a key stakeholder in advancing care in Calhoun, Liberty and surrounding counties and building strategic partnerships to further advance healthcare locally.”
Brown earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University and a Master of Nursing Executive (MSN) from the University of West Florida. She currently serves as treasurer for the Liberty County Wrestling Club, Inc. and volunteers for the March of Dimes and Elder Care Meals on Wheels.
As interim CAO, Brown will work closely with Chief Financial Officer (CFO) James C. Miller and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Yarah Dieppa-Corbin.
About Calhoun Liberty Hospital – Calhoun Liberty Hospital (CLH) is a private, nonprofit, 10-bed critical access hospital committed to delivering professional, courteous and compassionate care. CLH offers emergency services, primary care, short-term inpatient rehabilitation, and a range of outpatient services. The Calhoun Liberty Hospital Association, Inc. (CLHA) contracts with Alliant Management Services for administrative operations and has a formal partnership with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) to enhance service capabilities and resources available to CLH. For more information, visit CalhounLibertyHospital.com.
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