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Tuscumbia Today
By the People, for the People
Crestwood Medical Center Names New President
Kyle Buchanan, an experienced hospital leader from North Alabama, will take the helm at Crestwood Medical Center.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:29pm
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The new leadership at Crestwood Medical Center aims to build on the hospital's strong community ties and reputation for quality care.Tuscumbia TodayCrestwood Medical Center and Huntsville Hospital Health System have announced that Kyle Buchanan, the current president of Helen Keller Hospital and Red Bay Hospital, has been named the new president of Crestwood Medical Center. Buchanan is a Tuscumbia native with over 20 years of experience delivering strong results in hospital operations, patient care, and workforce engagement.
Why it matters
Buchanan's appointment comes at an important time for Crestwood Medical Center, as the hospital looks to build on its strong reputation and continue serving the Huntsville community. As an experienced leader with deep roots in North Alabama, Buchanan is well-positioned to support Crestwood's caregivers, expand access to care, and strengthen the hospital's future as part of the Huntsville Hospital Health System.
The details
In his current role, Buchanan has strengthened overall hospital performance, including significant gains in physician engagement and stability, as well as new physician partnerships. Prior to his work in the Shoals region, he has held leadership positions at Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children, Alabama Community Care, and Lawrence Medical Center. Buchanan will report to Tracy Doughty, HH Health executive vice president of Madison County operations, and will work closely with the Crestwood Board and senior leadership team.
- Buchanan's first day at Crestwood Medical Center will be Monday, April 20, 2026.
- Sherry Sands will step in as interim president for Helen Keller and Red Bay Hospitals as Buchanan transitions to Crestwood.
The players
Kyle Buchanan
A Tuscumbia native and proven, community-focused leader with more than 20 years of experience delivering strong results across hospital operations, patient care, and workforce engagement. He is the current president of Helen Keller Hospital and Red Bay Hospital.
Jeff Samz
The CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System, which owns Crestwood Medical Center.
Tracy Doughty
The executive vice president of Madison County operations for Huntsville Hospital Health System, who Buchanan will report to.
Justin Serrano
The previous president of Crestwood Medical Center, who has accepted a new leadership role with Community Health Systems in Naples, Florida.
Sherry Sands
The vice president of patient services and chief nursing officer at Helen Keller and Red Bay Hospitals, who will serve as interim president as Buchanan transitions to Crestwood.
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.”
— Jeff Samz, CEO, Huntsville Hospital Health System
“I'm excited about the leadership and energy Kyle will bring to Crestwood. He is a true servant leader who understands that strong patient care starts with strong teams. His focus on people, culture and performance will support Crestwood's continued success and reinforce its role as a trusted community hospital.”
— Tracy Doughty, Executive Vice President of Madison County Operations, Huntsville Hospital Health System
“Crestwood has a longstanding reputation for caring for this community, and I'm honored to be part of that. 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
As Buchanan transitions to Crestwood, leadership in the Shoals region will continue without interruption, with Sherry Sands stepping in as interim president for Helen Keller and Red Bay Hospitals.
The takeaway
Buchanan's appointment as the new president of Crestwood Medical Center represents a strategic move by Huntsville Hospital Health System to bring in an experienced, community-focused leader who can build on the hospital's strong reputation and continue serving the Huntsville area with high-quality care and a focus on supporting the hospital's caregivers.