LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
PARIS—Jay Carmichael, a seasoned rural health leader with more than a decade of experience, has been appointed president and chief executive officer of Horizon Health, effective Jan. 20.
The Horizon Health Board unanimously approved Carmichael’s selection of Directors following the retirement of Ollie Smith, who concluded nearly 40 years of service at the organization's helm at the end of 2024.
As he prepares to assume the leadership role, Carmichael expressed his commitment to continuing Horizon Health’s mission of delivering high-quality care with a personal touch.
“Rural health is often overlooked, yet it remains a vital beacon of hope,” Carmichael said. “It offers the unique opportunity to truly know people on a first-name basis. Horizon Health’s growth reflects a heartfelt passion for serving its neighbors, and I’m eager to build on that legacy.”
Carmichael transitions to Horizon Health from his role as vice president and chief operating officer at Southwell, a rural health system in southeast Georgia. There, he led operations at Southwell Medical in Adel, which includes a 20-bed rural hospital and a 95-bed skilled nursing facility. Southwell’s extensive network encompasses 240 licensed beds, more than 30 physician clinics and a team of over 2,700 employees serving 12 counties.
Under Carmichael’s leadership, Southwell Medical earned the 2024 Performance Leadership Award for Patient Perspective from the Chartis Center for Rural Health, recognizing its top-tier performance among rural hospitals.
Before joining Southwell, Carmichael spent five years with Oracle Health, focusing on business development across the southern United States. His extensive background includes expertise in healthcare operations, growth strategies, and fostering community partnerships.
At Horizon Health, Carmichael plans to immerse himself in the organization’s culture and history, working alongside the dedicated staff to shape its future.
“Organizations thrive because of their people,” he said. “There’s much to celebrate at Horizon Health and even more potential to elevate rural healthcare. I’m excited to learn from this community and work collaboratively toward continued growth and excellence.”
Carmichael also emphasized the critical role rural healthcare plays in fostering economic development in small towns.
“Healthcare is more than just care—it’s a cornerstone of community development,” he said. “In places like Edgar County, it supports businesses, creates jobs, and even influences housing opportunities. The potential here is immense.”
Carmichael holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Carolina and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Armstrong Atlantic State University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator.
Originally from St. Simons Island, Ga. He and his wife, Kelli, a lead project manager at Oracle, have a three-year-old daughter, Jules. With family ties in Kansas City, Iowa, Nebraska and Canton, Ill., the family is looking forward to life in Edgar County.
In his free time, Carmichael enjoys traveling, hunting, golfing, and cooking—pursuits he hopes to share with the community he now calls home.