From “What Do I Do?” to “Just Do It”
In just a few months as CEO and President of Southern Regional Medical Center (SRMC), Ela Lena has transformed not only the hospital’s culture but also its mission. Her leadership mantra? Get involved—at every level.
“I walk around the hospital every chance I get. If a phone needs answering, I answer. If a room needs cleaning, I clean it,” she said. “I keep my clogs out there.”
Her hands-on approach has inspired a movement inside SRMC. Under her leadership, the hospital is being redefined as a place of purpose, compassion, and excellence.
Three Decades of Experience and a Lifetime of Purpose
Lena brings more than 30 years of medical leadership experience to SRMC, part of the 14-member Prime Healthcare Foundation, which includes 46 hospitals across 14 states.
Though she started her career as a nurse, she was quickly propelled into leadership after being asked to serve as an interim senior executive. The business of healthcare, she discovered, could work hand-in-hand with the art of healing.
“I found I really enjoyed balancing business with the altruistic way of healing,” Lena explained.
A Life-Changing Injury That Sparked a Calling
As a teenager, Lena survived a traumatic brain injury after being hit by a drunk driver. Multiple surgeries and months of rehabilitation followed. But what stayed with her the most was the care and compassion she received from nurses.
“The compassion the nurses displayed when I was full of fear comforted me,” she said.
Though she initially pursued law and became a paralegal, a second health scare in her 20s brought her back to the hospital—where the kindness of nurses once again influenced her path. She entered nursing school and never looked back.
Climbing the Ladder from Nurse to CEO
From Vice President of Operations in New Jersey to Director of Nursing in Florida, Lena’s rise was marked by strategic thinking and operational excellence. As COO, she learned to connect departments and systems—becoming a bridge between administrative leadership and patient care.
Today, she leads with a blend of business acumen and bedside empathy, a rare combination that inspires her team and builds trust with patients and partners alike.
Family, Faith, and Community
Lena and her husband, Ignazio, a paramedic, raised five children—two of whom followed in their mother’s footsteps into nursing. The couple shares a passion for volunteering, from food pantries to Christmas gift drives for local youth programs like House of Dawn.
“This is just one way we want to be more than just a brick-and-mortar place in Clayton County,” Lena said.
Tackling the Nursing Shortage with Bold Partnerships
Like many hospitals, SRMC has faced a severe nursing shortage. Lena responded quickly by establishing relationships with local universities—including Clayton State University—to create pathways for nursing students and future healthcare professionals.
“We need to grow our own. We need to invest more time in local students,” Lena said.
She’s also advocated for state grant funding, personally visiting the Georgia State Capitol to rally support for nurse education and training.
Expanding Access: From Trauma Services to Free Clinics
One of Lena’s biggest goals is to have SRMC designated as a trauma hospital, closing a critical gap in emergency care for metro Atlanta.
“It can take 30 to 40 miles of driving to get trauma help. That delay can cost lives,” she warned.
SRMC already receives trauma cases out of necessity—but Lena wants a certified trauma team in place to handle those situations with speed and precision.
She’s also launching a free community clinic, expected to open by fall, designed to serve uninsured and underinsured patients and reduce health disparities in the region.
A CEO Who Leads by Empowering Others
Lena’s leadership philosophy is centered around empowerment. Her message to her staff was simple but powerful:
“You are not my child. You are my quarterback. Be strategic. Just do it.”
She encourages autonomy, vision, and courage from her team. And in return, she gives the same—whether it’s answering phones, visiting patients, or fighting for funding.
What’s Next for SRMC Under Lena’s Leadership
With trauma center designation, teaching hospital status, and expanded community health initiatives on the horizon, SRMC under Ela Lena is poised to become one of the most accessible and compassionate medical institutions in Georgia.
“Our ultimate goal is to come together to serve all of our community. I want to offer the best access to care in the country.”
Connect with Southern Regional Medical Center
📍 Location: Riverdale, GA
🌐 Website: southernregional.org
👩⚕️ Interested in Nursing? Explore career and internship opportunities with SRMC’s growing nursing programs.
📅 Coming Fall 2025: Free Community Health Clinic
📣 Stay Informed: Follow SRMC on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates on Lena’s initiatives and upcoming events.