George Dawson

Centra CEO George Dawson has been recognized for his service by the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association. Here is a press release from Centra:

Centra President and CEO George Dawson received the 2010 Distinguished Service Award from the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association (VHHA) at its annual meeting in Hot Springs.  VHHA’s membership represents 114 different hospitals throughout Virginia.  Each year, only one CEO from these hospitals is chosen to receive this honor.

This award is given to a current or past chief executive officer selected from VHHA members who has a record of performing outstanding, valuable, or unique services to the hospital community and has made exemplary contributions through leadership, management, education, research, or service.

“I have been with Centra for 30 years, and the best part is getting to work alongside the 6,000 caring employees who take seriously our commitment to patient care,” said Dawson. “They are the reason Centra has earned a national reputation for safety and outstanding clinical excellence.  I am honored to work with them and accept this award on their behalf.”

In 2009, Dawson also received the national Partnership for Action Grassroots Champion Award by the American Hospital Association for his leadership in organizing grassroots and community involvement in support of Centra’s mission to meet the healthcare needs in our region.

Dawson is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.  He serves as a board member for Voluntary Hospitals of America and as vice chair of Voluntary Hospitals of America, Mid-Atlantic Region.  Dawson’s service in the Central Virginia region includes the boards of directors for Region 2000 Economic Development Partnership, the United Way of Central Virginia, the James River Council for the Arts & Humanities, and the Board of Trustees for the Academy of Fine Arts in Lynchburg.   He also serves on the boards of directors for Centra, Centra Southside Community Hospital, and Bedford Memorial Hospital.