MARIETTA, Ga., Jan. 15, 2025 ~ Wellstar Health System, a leading nonprofit health system in Georgia, has announced that its president and CEO, Candice L. Saunders, will be retiring at the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2025. This decision comes after an exceptional career of service and accomplishment for Saunders.

Saunders joined Wellstar in March 2007 as the president of Kennestone Regional Medical Center. Over the years, she has been promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer before being appointed as the president and CEO in July 2015. Under her leadership, Wellstar has grown from a small group of community hospitals to a renowned health system with 11 hospitals, over 400 medical offices, and more than 33,000 team members serving over 3 million patients annually in 148 counties across Georgia.

Frank Ros, chairman of the Wellstar Board of Trustees, praised Saunders for her compassionate caregiving and visionary leadership. He stated that under her guidance, Wellstar has formed new community partnerships, implemented innovative care models and technologies, and become a national leader in charity and uncompensated care by providing over $1 billion annually to uninsured or under-insured patients.

Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to lead Wellstar, Saunders said that she will leave with a full heart. She also acknowledged the hard work and dedication of her team in achieving their vision of providing world-class healthcare to every person every time.

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The announcement marks the beginning of a planned six-month succession process. The Wellstar Board of Trustees will hire an executive search firm and form a CEO search committee led by Ros. The search will include both internal and external candidates. Saunders will remain involved after her retirement to ensure a smooth transition of leadership.

Saunders began her career as a critical care nurse and still regularly wears scrubs to make rounds at Wellstar facilities where she listens to doctors, nurses, patients, and families. She is known for her focus on building a positive workplace culture and developing strong leaders. Under her leadership, Wellstar has been recognized as a great place to work, including being named on Fortune's list of 100 Best Companies to Work For in America.

Saunders' belief that the patient should be at the center of every activity led to the launch of Wellstar's PeopleCare brand and the establishment of new mission, vision, and values statements that prioritize the consumer experience. She also played a crucial role in forming a successful partnership between Wellstar and Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia to create Wellstar MCG Health, which has strengthened healthcare in the Central Savannah River Area and enhanced medical education in Georgia. Additionally, she expanded Wellstar's partnership with Kennesaw State University and its Wellstar College of Health and Human Services to increase the number of nurses in Georgia.

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During Saunders' tenure, Wellstar also launched Catalyst by Wellstar, an initiative that supports the development of early-stage technologies with the potential to improve health outcomes and patient experience. She also oversaw the difficult decision to close Atlanta Medical Center after two years of unsuccessful efforts to find partners. However, she worked with The Integral Group, a nationally recognized Atlanta-based firm, to develop a community-based plan for the future of the site.

Saunders has served on several boards throughout her career, including the American Hospital Association and Georgia Hospital Association where she also served as chairperson. She is currently on the Boards of Directors for Coalition to Strengthen America's Healthcare, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Kennesaw State University Foundation Board of Trustees. She is also an active member of various civic organizations such as Downtown Rotary Club.

Saunders' contributions have not gone unnoticed as she has been named on Modern Healthcare's lists of Top 25 Women Leaders and Top 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives. In 2022, she was recognized as Atlanta's Most People-Focused CEO by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and in 2025, she was named on Georgia Trend's list of 100 Most Influential Georgians for the ninth consecutive year.

As Saunders prepares to retire, her legacy at Wellstar will continue to impact the healthcare industry in Georgia and beyond. The search for her successor will undoubtedly be a crucial decision for the Wellstar Board of Trustees as they look for someone who can continue to lead the organization towards its mission of providing exceptional healthcare to all.

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