Alabama Hospital Association honors two EAH officials for health care advocacy

Two East Alabama Health officials were presented with awards during the Alabama Hospital Association’s (AlaHA) annual meeting for their advocacy of the health care needs of Alabama citizens.

Laura Grill – Most Valuable PAC Player

East Alabama Health President and CEO Laura Grill was presented with the Most Valuable PAC Player. This award, given jointly by AlaHA and the American Hospital Association Political Action Committee (AHAPAC), recognizes Grill’s exceptional work advocating for Alabama hospitals and improving community health policy. 

Grill was recognized alongside Jeff Brannon, vice president of business development for Flowers Hospital in Dothan.

“This recognition is a reflection of the passion and dedication that Laura has for health care in our state,” said Wayne Alderman, board chair of East Alabama Health. “Her forward-thinking leadership is helping shape the future of health care across the state of Alabama, ensuring access to the services patients need while supporting the professionals who provide that care.

“She is deeply committed to our patients, fiercely supportive of our healthcare workforce and constantly focused on making healthcare better for the people of our region.” 

Grill’s impact extends beyond East Alabama Health, having been appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey to the board of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences and serves on several other state and regional boards. In addition, she was recognized on Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 list of Women Hospital Presidents and CEOs to Know. 

 

Greg Nichols – Grassroots Champion Award

Greg Nichols, chief facilities officer for East Alabama Health and administrator of EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital, was recognized with the Grassroots Champion Award. 

The award, given jointly by AlaHA and AHAPAC, recognizes a health system leader who works to advocate and educate elected officials on the health care needs and priorities of Alabamians. 

“This recognition belongs to the countless caregivers at East Alabama Health who work tirelessly each day to serve our patients and communities,” Nichols said. “I’m honored to help advocate for the needs of our health care workers, our patients and the communities that depend on us.”

As administrator of EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital, Nichols was instrumental in the hospital’s conversion to a rural emergency hospital, ensuring continued access to critical services such as 24/7 emergency care, diagnostic imaging and outpatient surgery for patients in Chambers County. 

 

About East Alabama Health

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, East Alabama Medical Center North in Opelika, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 316-bed regional referral hospital. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 4,100 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.