East Alabama Health’s Laura Grill one of four Alabama CEOs recognized on Becker’s National List

East Alabama Health President and CEO Laura Grill has been recognized on Becker's Hospital Review's 2026 list of "Women Hospital Presidents and CEOs to Know." 

According to Becker’s, the list recognizes health system leaders who are expanding access to care, advancing equity and inclusion and driving meaningful improvements in patient care.

“Laura is a champion for our patients, providers and employees, and this recognition is a reflection of that commitment,” said East Alabama Health Board Chair Wayne Alderman. “We are exceptionally proud of the impact she is making, not only here in east Alabama but throughout the state.” 

Grill is just one of four CEOs from Alabama to earn this recognition, and this year's inclusion marks the fourth year in a row she has made the list.

Under Grill’s leadership, East Alabama Health has pursued growth with a clear focus on expanding access to care in one of Alabama’s fastest-growing regions while strengthening the workforce needed to care for that growth.

That vision has been reflected in several recent initiatives, including the addition of 30 critical care beds at East Alabama Medical Center, the completion of the 40-bed East Alabama Medical Center North behavioral health hospital and the launch of three physician residency programs—internal medicine, psychiatry and a transitional year program—designed to train the next generation of providers.

Grill’s leadership is also shaping health care across Alabama, including through her appointment by Gov. Kay Ivey to the board of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences. She also contributes her expertise to several other state and regional boards.

To view the full list, click here: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-management-administration/236-women-hospital-and-health-system-presidents-and-ceos-to-know-2026/

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.