Categories: Georgia Business NewsGeorgia News

Kurt Stuenkel Receives W. Daniel Barker Leadership Award

Kurt Stuenkel's leadership enhances community health initiatives.

News Summary

Kurt Stuenkel, president of Atrium Health Floyd, has been awarded the W. Daniel Barker Leadership Award by the Georgia Hospital Association for his exceptional leadership in community health initiatives. Since joining Atrium Health Floyd in 1981, Stuenkel has been pivotal in improving healthcare access in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama, leading significant enhancements in patient care and community health programs. His efforts include establishing school clinics, fostering educational pathways, and launching initiatives that have saved over $200 million while enhancing healthcare services.

Rome, Georgia – Kurt Stuenkel, the president of Atrium Health Floyd, has been honored with the prestigious W. Daniel Barker Leadership Award by the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA). This recognition is awarded to members who demonstrate exceptional leadership in community health initiatives, and Stuenkel’s achievements have significantly impacted healthcare access in the region.

Stuenkel, who has been with Atrium Health Floyd since 1981 and served as its president since 1996, has been a driving force in enhancing the quality of healthcare for residents in northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama. His nomination for the award was submitted by Delvecchio Finley, the president of Atrium Health Georgia, underscoring the high regard in which Stuenkel is held by his peers.

Throughout his tenure, Stuenkel has spearheaded notable improvements in customer service and employee satisfaction within the healthcare system. Under his leadership, Atrium Health Floyd has transitioned through two significant cultural shifts—the first focusing on customer service excellence, which has earned the hospital multiple awards, and the second implementing Lean Six Sigma and GE Workout methodologies. These initiatives have led to over 17,000 documented changes, resulting in $200 million in savings and revenue enhancements.

Stuenkel’s leadership has also been marked by extensive service expansions and construction projects aimed at improving patient care. Notable among his accomplishments is the establishment of Atrium Health Floyd as the official healthcare provider for various public and private school districts, where the facility operates 47 school clinics. These clinics are equipped with school nurses and providers who utilize virtual care technology to offer timely healthcare solutions.

Additionally, Stuenkel has collaborated with Georgia Highlands College and Georgia Northwestern Technical College to create educational pathways for students aspiring to enter healthcare careers. By fostering educational opportunities, he has contributed to building a skilled workforce in the local healthcare sector.

Stuenkel played a crucial role in founding the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation, which has awarded $2.6 million in community grants within two years while securing an impressive $6 million in donations and sponsorships for local health initiatives. This foundation underscores Stuenkel’s commitment to investing in community health and well-being.

Furthermore, Stuenkel serves as the executive sponsor for advancing rural health for Atrium Health’s North Carolina & Georgia Division. His leadership was instrumental in the recent opening of Georgia’s first stand-alone emergency department in rural Chattooga County, demonstrating his dedication to improving healthcare access in underserved areas.

As part of his role at Atrium Health Floyd, he also oversees management of rural hospitals and medical practices located in Cherokee County, Alabama, and Polk County, Georgia. This comprehensive approach to healthcare serves to strengthen community ties and ensure residents have access to essential medical services.

The GHA President and CEO, Caylee Noggle, acknowledged Stuenkel’s unwavering commitment to enhancing health access and patient satisfaction throughout his career. His dedication to community health initiatives and his proactive strategies have made a lasting difference for countless individuals in the region.

Stuenkel’s receipt of the W. Daniel Barker Leadership Award is a testament to his impactful career, marked by continuous improvement in healthcare systems, commitment to community service, and a focus on creating sustainable healthcare solutions for future generations.