MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The senior staff of the 42nd Medical Group welcomed the Director of Central Alabama HealthCare System and the Chief Executive Officers from Montgomery hospitals Baptist Health and Jackson Hospital for a CEO partnering event June 5.

This first-time event provided a networking opportunity with local hospital executive partners as well as an opportunity to showcase Maxwell's installation and clinic.

Event coordinator and 42nd Medical Logistics Flight commander Capt. Gabriel DiNofrio said, "The 42nd Medical Group depends on a strong relationship with the Montgomery hospitals to provide the necessary healthcare to our military families."

The visit included a guided tour of the installation followed by a tour of the 42nd MDG facilities and a luncheon with 42nd Air Base Wing commander Col. Kris D. Beasley.

Included in the itinerary was a mission capabilities brief conducted by the 42nd MDG commander Col. Diana Atwell, who said that one of their strategic goals is to build healthy relationships with their downtown partners in healthcare."Strong relationships between our executive staff members and our local partners' executive staff lead to open lines of communication at all levels."

It is important for our patients to know, according to Colonel Atwell, that when they leave the walls of the 42nd MDG for care in one of the local hospitals, they are going to be well cared for and there will be continued communications between their base provider and the hospital staff.

The colonel also said that a strong relationship also can also lead to innovations and efficiencies.

"It was a pleasure to host these fine professionals, and we very much appreciate them taking time out of their busy schedule to come to Maxwell and see what our missions are all about and what we have to offer," she added.

Vicky Jones, vice president of Operations at Jackson Hospital, expressed gratitude for the medical group's "southern hospitality."She said that supportive and collaborative relationships among community and military healthcare organizations are essential for the best care to be available to all who travel through the Air Force bases here.

"Maxwell-Gunter personnel are a significant part of the River Region's economic growth and anything that can be done to share better processes, staffing models and innovations among all healthcare entities is of benefit to everyone. It is clear to me that Colonel Atwell and her staff run a first-class outpatient facility for the Air Force and should be commended."

Ms. Jones has been employed with Jackson Hospital for more than 27 years. As the vice president of operations, she gives guidance and supervision to six of the departments within the hospital. These include Radiology, Respiratory, Pharmacy, Laboratory, Security, and Food and Nutrition. She is also a Board Member of the Montgomery Area Community Wellness Coalition.

Glen Struchtemeyer has been serving as director of the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System since his appointment in May. As Director of CAVHCS, Mr. Struchtemeyer oversees services providing healthcare to more than 134,000 veterans in 43 counties of Southeastern Alabama and West Georgia through CAVHCS' Medical Centers in Tuskegee and Montgomery as well community-based outpatient clinics in Columbus, Ga., Dothan Ala., and a VA Wiregrass Outpatient Clinic at Fort Rucker in Enterprise, Ala.

Lynne Parker, CEO and administrator, Baptist Medical Center South, has been with Baptist Medical Center South and Baptist Health for more than 30 years. During her tenure, she has served in various roles including clinical instructor, associate director of nursing, vice president of patient care, associate administrator, administrator and CEO.

Ms. Parker was joined by Jeffery Hicks, vice president of Ancillary Services, and Ms. Cynthia Bargaineer, chief of Nursing Staff.