Clinch Memorial extends contract with CEO, Angela Handley amid continued growth and strategic alignment
HOMERVILLE, GA., April 24, 2026 — Clinch County Hospital Authority announced today that Angela Handley has signed a five-year contract extension to continue serving as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. The Board’s unanimous decision reflects its deep confidence in Handley’s visionary leadership and recognizes her extraordinary accomplishments since assuming the role in 2018.
“I’m honored by the Board’s continued trust and the opportunity to keep building on the work we’ve started,” said CEO, Angela Handley. “Rural healthcare matters deeply to me, because it matters to our community. The progress we’ve made at Clinch Memorial is a direct reflection of a team that shows up every day committed to doing hard things well, and I’m excited about what we’ll accomplish together in the years ahead.”
Clinch Memorial Hospital also announced two key leadership appointments. Kellie Register has accepted the role of Chief Clinical Officer in addition to her current role as Chief Nursing Officer, and Lily Blitch will serve as the hospital’s new Chief Operating Officer.
Register brings nearly 20 years of nursing leadership experience and has built a record of success in advancing patient care, strengthening clinical teams, and driving operational excellence. Throughout her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in major initiatives, including the facility’s EHR transition, and has stepped into critical roles such as infection prevention and employee health when needed. Register has severed the organization as charge nurse, Director of Nursing, and Chief Nursing Officer.
“Register is an exceptional leader whose vision, expertise and passion for patient centered care will elevate the work at Clinch Memorial,” said Handley. “Her track record of building strong teams, improving outcomes and advancing innovative care models makes her the right leader for this role.”
Blitch, who joined Clinch Memorial in 2019, has served in several leadership roles across the hospital and brings experience in project management, business development, and operations. She began her tenure at Clinch Memorial as a summer intern in 2019. Since her full-time tenure began in 2021, she has served as the Director of Organizational Development, where she oversaw the public relations efforts, fundraising efforts, grant procurement and project implementation, and served as the liaison for rehabilitation services. Known as a collaborative and data driven leader, she has advanced key operational initiatives and strengthened support for clinical teams across the system.
“Lily has demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to our mission,” Handley said. “She approaches hospital operations with clarity, compassion and an ability to unite teams around shared goals. I am confident she will continue to elevate the work at Clinch Memorial in her new role. We are fortunate to have her stepping into this important position.”