The Forrest Health Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to negotiate a contract with Jeff Cook to become the new President/CEO of Forrest Health. Cook will become the seventh President/CEO of the medical system, succeeding Andy Woodard who resigned in October 2024.
Following a nationwide search and with the help of a local search committee, the Board felt their best candidate was already here in Hattiesburg working with the Forrest Health staff, according to Jana Causey, chairman, Forrest Health Board of Trustees. “Jeff knows the ins and outs of our healthcare system, knows administration and staff, has been an integral part of strategic projects, and has long-standing success as legal counsel,” she said.
“We believe Jeff’s experience will be a great advantage while he works to move Forrest Health forward. Jeff’s knowledge of Forrest Health, and his proven success during the past six months has reiterated his commitment to high quality healthcare. He has demonstrated his desire to continue to carry out the mission ‘to do what is the best for the patient,’ and we (the board) are confident he will make great strides in the continued growth of the medical system’s prosperity. Jeff, who grew up in the Pine Belt, where he continues to live and raise his children, has a vested interest in not only the success of the Forrest Health system, but Hattiesburg and Mississippi, as a whole. Jeff is very qualified, and we know Forrest Health is in good hands.” Causey would also like to thank the Board of Trustees for their dedication and hard work during the search process.
Cook is deeply honored by the board’s confidence in him.
“I am incredibly grateful to assume this new role and continue the legacy of Forrest Health,” he said. “I am honored by the board’s decision, but their choice is not just a reflection of my efforts, rather, a reflection of our administration, leadership, medical and support staff that is dedicated to caring for our patients. What we have at Forrest Health is special, and we will continue to provide great healthcare services to our communities. The pride I have in our health system runs deep, and I’m looking forward to working alongside our Board of Trustees, staff, and medical staff as we continue to support our communities and advance our healthcare facility.
"I know Forrest Health – I know this hospital, its people, and its purpose. I was born here, and my children were born here. This hospital is vital, not only to our patients but to the fabric of this community. I’ve built relationships here; my roots are already deep. To lead effectively, you have to understand how the engine runs – and I do. Our staff is that engine, and they are what keep us moving forward. I’m honored to help drive that continued momentum."
Cook describes his leadership style as “nuanced, collaborative, and discussion driven.” “Healthcare is complex, and collaborative communication is important to make the best decision,” Cook said. He also wants to find the expert leaders and trust them with the decisions. “All of this describes my leadership style, but I’m willing to make the hard decision that is ultimately best for the organization.”
While there are many jobs Cook has been tasked with during his time at Forrest Health, whether as legal counsel or during the months he has served as Interim President/CEO, he is most proud of “investing in young talent and watching their growth.” “My proudest achievement isn’t a title or a deal – it’s investing in young talent,” he said. “Just by being present, you can spark something in them. All you’ve got to do is water them a little bit, and they grow faster than you’d imagine.”
During the interim, Cook has provided executive oversight of Forrest Health, effectively supported the administrative team in carrying out operations, and executed strategies that prioritize high-quality patient care outcomes, fiscal management, accreditation, and medical staff compliance; and developed a clear vision for the organization to remain the hospital provider of choice in the 19-county service area.
Cook has cultivated partnerships and strengthened relationships across the medical community. He has also overseen key groundbreakings, including a 12,000-square-foot addition at The Orthopedic Institute, the groundbreaking for the modernization of the Pearl River County Hospital in Poplarville, and the groundbreaking for the final two elements – a bell tower and a chapel – at the Spiritual Grounds at Pine Grove Behavioral Health and Addiction Center.
While he was at the helm, Forrest Health announced raises of $12 million to more than 1,000 members of its nursing staff in order to be viewed as a very attractive place for nurses to work, especially student nurses just starting out. Cook has also been instrumental in several upcoming strategic initiatives/undertakings that will be of key importance in the system’s growth.
During his tenure at Forrest Health, Cook has played a key role in the acquisition of both Perry County General Hospital in 2022 and Pearl River County Hospital in 2020. Alongside senior administration, he negotiated continued service agreements for major hospital-based physician services across multiple specialties, including Hospital Medicine (hospitalist), Anesthesia, Emergency Medicine, ICU/CCU (Intensivist), Cardiology Co-Management, and Nephrology/Dialysis. He has played a pivotal role in securing over $16 million in Congressionally-Directed Appropriation grants. Cook has led major real estate acquisitions and directed large-scale construction projects, including two medical office buildings in Picayune ($24 million) and the Pine Grove Medical Office Building in Hattiesburg ($16 million). Additionally, he developed a comprehensive Physician Compensation Handbook for the Health System.
Cook was hired in 2014 as Director of Contracts and Legal Services for Forrest Health and has been serving as Vice President & General Counsel since 2017. He also has overseen Engineering, Construction, Laundry, Clean Earth, Projects Management, Risk Management, Facilities Planning, Corporate Compliance, and Strategy.
Prior to joining Forrest Health, Cook was Director of Legal & Contracts at Saint Thomas Health in Nashville, Tenn., after also serving as Director of Strategic Operations.
Cook hails from the area, graduating from North Forrest High School where he played football and baseball. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology (2005) and a Master of Business Administration (2008), both from the University of Southern Mississippi. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence-Business Law from Mississippi College in 2011.
He has served on the Health Law Executive Committee of the Mississippi Bar Association and as an adjunct professor in Health Law at USM. Prior to attending law school, Cook was drafted in the fifth round of the Major League Baseball draft in 2003 by the Arizona Diamondbacks after a notable baseball career at USM. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2005 and played at an all-star level until a shoulder injury forced him into retirement. He was inducted into the University of Southern Mississippi Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.
Cook is a graduate of the Area Development Partnership’s Leadership Pinebelt Class, which worked to raise money to light a new section of the Longleaf Trace. He also served as chairman of the 2020 American Heart Walk in Hattiesburg. He was a board member for the Midtown Merchants Association, has held membership in the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Foundation, is a Mississippi True (Medicaid MCO) Board member, American Healthcare Lawyers Association (AHLA), Mississippi Rural Health Association board member, and the United Way of Southeast Mississippi where he has served as Audit Committee Chair.
He is married to Amanda Cook, and they have three children, 9-year-old twins, London, and Harper, and “Jeff’s twin,” Win, 7 and the family is a member of Temple Baptist Church.
“We want to express our deep appreciation for the unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership demonstrated by our esteemed executive team,” said Causey. “Their hard work, vision, and guidance have been instrumental in our success. We also extend our gratitude to all the talented individuals who work tirelessly alongside them, contributing their unique skills and commitment to our shared goal. Together, we continue to push boundaries, achieve milestones, and drive growth. Thank you for your outstanding contributions to our organization.”
ABOUT FORREST HEALTH
Forrest Health is a system of healthcare organizations formed to increase access to quality health care in south Mississippi. Forrest General Hospital is its flagship hospital. In addition to Forrest General, Forrest Health hospitals include: Highland Community Hospital, Picayune; Jefferson Davis Community Hospital & Extended Care Facility, Prentiss; Marion General Hospital, Columbia; Pearl River County Hospital & Nursing Home, Poplarville; Perry County General Hospital, Richton; and Walthall General Hospital, Tylertown. Forrest Health is also home to The Orthopedic Institute and Institute of Neuroscience, both in Hattiesburg, as well as a variety of healthcare clinics throughout its 19-county coverage area. The Forrest Health Board of Trustees is comprised of Jana Causey, PhD, chairperson; Eric K. Steele; Harry “Chip” McArthur, III; Lewis Hatten, MD, FACS, RPVI; Peggy J. Answorth; Shea McNease; and Andy Mercier.
