SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Crestwood Medical Center is entering a new chapter in leadership, announcing longtime healthcare executive Kyle Buchanan as its new president—bringing experience, community roots, and a vision for continued growth in North Alabama healthcare.
Buchanan, a Tuscumbia native with more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, will officially step into the role on April 20. He currently serves as president of Helen Keller Hospital and Red Bay Hospital and is widely recognized for improving hospital performance, strengthening physician engagement, and expanding provider partnerships.
“Kyle is the right leader to support the excellent team at Crestwood,” said Huntsville Hospital Health System CEO Jeff Samz. “It was important to us to find someone with deep roots in North Alabama and a genuine commitment to this community.”
Crestwood’s transition comes as the hospital continues its integration into the Huntsville Hospital Health System, a move designed to strengthen regional access to healthcare while maintaining its local identity and trusted services. Buchanan will report to Tracy Doughty, executive vice president of Madison County operations, and will work closely with Crestwood’s leadership team and board to expand care and enhance hospital services.
“I’m excited about the leadership and energy Kyle will bring to Crestwood,” Doughty said. “He is a true servant leader who understands that strong patient care starts with strong teams.”
For the Huntsville community, this leadership change represents stability during a time of growth and transition. Hospital officials emphasized that Crestwood will continue operating under its current name, with no changes to physicians, services, or daily operations.
“Crestwood has a longstanding reputation for caring for this community, and I’m honored to be part of that,” Buchanan said. “Crestwood remains Crestwood — your physicians, your care teams, and the experience you trust are not changing.”
Buchanan succeeds Justin Serrano, who has accepted a leadership role in Florida. Meanwhile, in the Shoals, Sherry Sands will serve as interim president of Helen Keller and Red Bay hospitals, ensuring continuity of care.
Crestwood Medical Center, a 180-bed hospital serving nearly 400,000 patients, continues to play a vital role in providing emergency care, surgery, women’s health, and heart services across the region.
As Huntsville grows, leaders say strong, community-focused healthcare leadership will remain key—and Buchanan’s appointment signals continued investment in both people and patient care.