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Denise Ray

CEO, and CNO of Enterprise at Piedmont Healthcare

Piedmont Mountainside Hospital

Jasper, GA

Ms. Ray was named CEO of Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in 2012, and has led the 76-bed acute-care community hospital ever since. Under her leadership, Piedmont Mountainside earned a 5-star rating from CMS in 2023 and opened a new 16-bed ICU in 2024, expanding its number of licensed beds to 76. Ms. Ray also oversees a freestanding emergency department in Ellijay, Ga., with plans to expand outpatient and specialty services into a new medical office building. She champions innovative workforce strategies, including flexible staffing models and a virtual nursing program that spans 17 hospitals. Her nurse residency program earned American Nurses Credentialing Center accreditation in 2025. Ms. Ray brings a strong record of operational and clinical leadership from her prior roles within the Piedmont system and the Chattanooga, Tenn.-based Erlanger Health System.

Becker's Recognition

Denise Rayhas been named a Becker's honoree on the lists below.

2025 Winner

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The women leading these hospitals and health systems are passionate about care access, equity and diversity, and the overall improvement of healthcare delivery.

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2026 Winner

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236 Women Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know

The women leading these hospitals and health systems are passionate about care access, equity and diversity, and the overall improvement of healthcare delivery.

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