Jay Hamm, RN, FACHE, is currently the vice president of operations for Lexington Medical Center. He has served in this role since April 2020, and is responsible for the ED, perioperative services, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, sleep labs and neurodiagnostics.
Hamm earned his Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and nursing and Master of Healthcare Administration degree from the University of South Carolina. Prior to his current role, Hamm served in various executive leadership roles for Palmetto/Prisma Health since 2009, including COO/CEO; system vice president, clinical operations; and vice president, operations. In addition, he worked for the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, Va. from 2003 to 2009 as administrator, patient care services. Hamm also serves as an adjunct faculty member for the Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Health Services and Policy Management, and enjoys mentoring and coaching healthcare administration students and novice early careerists.
During his thirty plus years of healthcare experience, he has led a variety of service areas, including trauma and emergency services, critical care air and ground transport, emergency management, and ancillary and support services. Hamm has served as president of the American Heart Association Midlands board, Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands board and as chair of the Midlands Heart Walk. In addition, he serves on the USC College of Nursing Partnership Board and serves as the chair of the Arnold School of Public Health MHA Advisory Board.
Hamm was awarded the 2019 South Carolina Senior-Level Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award in recognition of his significant contributions toward the advancement of healthcare management excellence. He also received the 2015 Norman J. Arnold Alumni Award in recognition of his dedication to the field of public health and for his positive impact on the healthcare community. Hamm is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and a member of the Delta Omega Honorary Public Health Society and Sigma Theta Tau International. In his spare time, Hamm enjoys boating, walking, reading and watching University of South Carolina Gamecocks sports.