Standeffer, Rhone Honored By Alabama Hospital Association

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Alabama Hospital Association this week presented Luke Standeffer, senior vice president/administrator of DCH Regional Medical Center and Northport Medical Center, with one of its highest awards.

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Standeffer was honored with the Distinguished Service Award for significant achievement in the field of hospital administration, while Llevelyn Rhone, a businessman and a community advocate from Hale County, was also recognized with a Special Citation for his work in ensuring access to quality health care in Black Belt counties.

“It is a privilege to honor Luke with the Distinguished Service Award,” AHA President Donald E. Williamson said. “He has been a tremendous leader with our Association for many years, consistently offering thoughtful perspectives to discussions and being unwavering his support of hospitals’ mission of providing quality hospital care.”

Standeffer previously served as the administrator/chief executive officer of HealthSouth Medical Center in Birmingham before coming to DCH Health System.

He has also held positions as administrator of HealthSouth Medical Center in Richmond and assistant administrator/operations at Fayette Medical Center.

“Luke’s service to the Association is unparalleled,” Williamson said. “From his service on the Board of Trustees, including a term as chairman, to his service as president of the Birmingham Regional Hospital Council, president of the West Alabama Hospital Council, and chairman of numerous committees, he has demonstrated a consummate dedication to improving healthcare, making a significant impact not only in his community but across the entire state of Alabama.”

Black Belt HOPE — an initiative developed by Rhone — is a network of individuals and organizations in rural counties with persistent poverty that work to enhance access to care, improve health care outcomes and build local capacity.

The AHA says the initiative has addressed a wide range of topics, including nutrition, exercise, medication management, diabetes treatment and management and preventative health.

"Mr. Rhone is a true leader and collaborator,” said Mallary Myers, senior vice president & chief operating officer, DCH Health System. “He is always looking for ways to secure funding and to develop partnerships to make that funding go further. He has worked with local leaders, along with both the Alabama Department of Public Health and with the CDC to implement targeted interventions in Black Belt counties.”

Rhone has leadership experience with Fortune 100 firms, federal agencies and as an entrepreneur.

He is also a director for Direct Invest Development — a real estate company.

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