Crestwood Medical Center Names New President

Kyle Buchanan to take over as president, effective April 20

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:26pm

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Crestwood Medical Center in Huntsville, Alabama has announced that Kyle Buchanan will be the new president of the hospital, effective April 20. Buchanan is a Tuscumbia native with over 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership, including roles at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, Alabama Community Care, and Lawrence Medical Center.

Why it matters

The appointment of a new president at Crestwood Medical Center comes at a pivotal time, as the hospital recently announced a new partnership with the Huntsville Hospital system. Buchanan's experience in the local healthcare community and his commitment to the region are expected to help strengthen Crestwood's future as part of the nonprofit Huntsville Hospital system.

The details

Kyle Buchanan will succeed Justin Serrano, who is leaving Crestwood to take on a new leadership role with Community Health Systems in Florida. The rest of Crestwood's senior leadership team will remain in place. Buchanan is described as a 'community-focused leader' who has a track record of improving hospital performance, increasing physician engagement, and advancing high-quality care. In his current roles leading Helen Keller Hospital and Red Bay Hospital, he has demonstrated these strengths.

  • Kyle Buchanan will begin his new role as president of Crestwood Medical Center on April 20, 2026.

The players

Kyle Buchanan

The new president of Crestwood Medical Center, with over 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership roles in North Alabama, including at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, Alabama Community Care, and Lawrence Medical Center.

Justin Serrano

The outgoing president of Crestwood Medical Center, who is leaving to take on a new leadership role with Community Health Systems in Florida.

Jeff Samz

The CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health, the nonprofit health system that Crestwood Medical Center is partnering with.

Crestwood Medical Center

A hospital located in Huntsville, Alabama that has recently announced a new partnership with the Huntsville Hospital system.

Huntsville Hospital System

The nonprofit health system that Crestwood Medical Center is partnering with.

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What they’re saying

“Kyle is the right leader to support the excellent team at Crestwood. It was important to us to find someone with deep roots in North Alabama and a genuine commitment to this community. Kyle brings that, along with a strong track record of supporting caregivers and advancing high-quality care. He will build on the great work already happening at Crestwood and help strengthen its future as part of our nonprofit health system.”

— Jeff Samz, HH Health CEO

“I know this has been a time of change, and I want our patients and team members to feel confident in what comes next. Crestwood remains Crestwood — your physicians, your care teams and the experience you trust are not changing. We will build on that strong foundation and continue investing in our people and services to best serve this incredible community.”

— Kyle Buchanan, incoming president, Crestwood Medical Center

What’s next

Buchanan will officially begin his new role as president of Crestwood Medical Center on April 20, 2026.

The takeaway

The appointment of Kyle Buchanan as the new president of Crestwood Medical Center comes at a pivotal time for the hospital, as it transitions to a new partnership with the Huntsville Hospital system. Buchanan's deep roots in the North Alabama community and his track record of strong leadership in the healthcare sector are expected to help strengthen Crestwood's future and ensure continuity of care for patients.