Columbia, SC – Russell Baxley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Beaufort Memorial Hospital, has been appointed to serve as a member of the South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC). Baxley was appointed by Chairman of the House Education and Public Works Committee Rep. Shannon Erickson for the 2024 to 2028 term. 

Baxley has served in his current position at Beaufort Memorial Hospital for approximately seven and a half years. While under his leadership, the hospital system has increased healthcare access for its community through new urgent care clinics, cancer treatment centers, provider recruitment and the BMH Care Anywhere telehealth app. However, he is most proud of the on-site clinical education and workforce development programs that were made possible through partnerships with the county, city, school district and other local educational institutions.

“I am excited to help ensure South Carolina’s students are set up for success and ready to excel in meaningful careers,” said Baxley. “We have the opportunity to not only make a difference in the lives of our school children, but the future of all South Carolinians.”

Among many other awards and accolades, Beaufort Memorial has been recognized among the nation’s 150 “Great Community Hospitals” by Becker’s Hospital Review and one of the top 30 general acute care hospitals in the country for patient safety and quality under his tenure. Prior to his current position, Baxley served as CEO for Lancaster Regional Medical Center in Pennsylvania.

Baxley holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of South Carolina, and completed his undergraduate studies at Clemson University where he received his Bachelor of Science in microbiology. He and his wife Stephanie live with their young son in Beaufort.