Leadership
Patricia Freeman RN, BSN
Executive Director
As Executive Director, Freeman leads the Alliance’s strategic initiatives, supports member organizations, and continues advancing statewide efforts in cardiovascular, neurological, maternal, and fetal medicine systems of care and quality improvement programs.
Freeman is a highly respected nurse leader and healthcare quality expert, recently retired from the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), where she served in progressive leadership roles for more than 24 years. Her career has been defined by a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes, advancing statewide quality initiatives, and fostering collaboration across healthcare systems.
Notably, Freeman previously served as Interim Executive Director of the Mississippi Healthcare Alliance in 2012 and volunteered as the Central Regional STEMI Coordinator, helping to strengthen Mississippi’s statewide response to acute cardiac events. Her longstanding relationship with the Alliance and proven leadership make her uniquely positioned to guide MHCA’s next chapter.
“Patricia brings unmatched institutional knowledge, credibility, and passion for improving healthcare across Mississippi,” said Harper Stone, MD, FACHE, President of the Mississippi Healthcare Alliance Board of Directors. “Her leadership in quality improvement, cardiovascular care, and statewide collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission.”
During her tenure at UMMC, Freeman served as Manager of Clinical Outcomes and Analysis for University Heart and University Transplant, overseeing quality programs for heart, kidney, liver, pancreas, and transplant services. She managed more than a dozen national quality databases, led hospital-wide performance improvement initiatives, and educated multidisciplinary teams on CMS, UNOS, and The Joint Commission requirements.
Earlier in her career, Freeman was the first RN Clinical Outcomes Coordinator at UMMC, served as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant co-investigator and project manager, and led statewide STEMI quality initiatives in collaboration with the Mississippi State Department of Health and emergency medical services.
Freeman holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Mississippi School of Nursing and maintains an active registered nursing license. She has been recognized throughout her career for excellence in nursing leadership and quality improvement, including receiving UMMC’s Nurse in a Non-Traditional Setting of the Year Award.
Angie Carter
Executive Assistant
Angie Carter is a graduate of Mississippi College, where she earned her degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting. She began her career with the Mississippi Healthcare Alliance in 2012 and has since played a vital role in supporting executive leadership with precision and professionalism.
Originally from Mississippi, Angie now resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth area with her husband and their three children. Outside of work, she is a certified barre instructor and enjoys hiking, exercising, reading, cooking, and traveling. Angie brings a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a passion for wellness to everything she does.
Executive Board Positions
Harper Stone, MD
President
Harper Stone, MD, FACC, Jackson Heart Clinic; President, Mississippi Healthcare Alliance, Board of Directors
Dr. Stone is a graduate of the University of Mississippi where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. He completed his medical school training at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and continued his postgraduate training in internal medicine and cardiology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Stone is passionate about keeping Mississippians healthy.
In 2009, Dr. Stone helped form and continues to serve as chairman for the Jackson Heart Foundation. He has also made great strides to educate healthcare providers and coordinate the implementation of standard protocols for time sensitive diseases such as heart attack and stroke. He organized the Mississippi Healthcare Alliance in 2010 to improve cardiovascular care for the state and has served as president since its inception. This led to Mississippi being the second state in the nation to have a STEMI system of care and the first state in the nation to have STEMI, stroke, and trauma systems of care. Dr. Stone also serves as the Cardiology Chair for the STEMI advisory committee for the Mississippi Department of Health.
Dr. Stone presently serves as Governor for the Mississippi chapter for the American College of Cardiology. He currently serves on the Coronary Artery Disease System of Care Advisory workgroup. He is previous chair for the National Mission: Lifeline steering committee for acute coronary syndrome, stroke, and resuscitation. He also previously served on the quality oversight committee for AHA as well as the National ACTION/National Cardiovascular Data Registry steering committee. He has also previously served as chair of the National ACS Subcommittee.
Additionally, Dr. Stone has served on numerous other national committees, including the position as president of the Greater Southeastern Affiliate for AHA and working with the AHA Mission: Lifeline advisory workgroup, Surviving MI workgroup, and the Mission: Lifeline accreditation taskforce.
Barry Bertolet, MD, FACC
Vice President
Barry Bertolet, MD, FACC, North Mississippi Health Services; Vice President, Mississippi Healthcare Alliance, Board of Directors
Dr. Bertolet is an Interventional Cardiologist with Cardiology Associates of North Mississippi and Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. He performed his undergraduate and medical schoolwork at the University of Mississippi. Dr. Bertolet then went to the University of Florida – Gainesville for internal medicine and cardiology training. He then served on the teaching staff for 5 years before moving to Tupelo. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Interventional Cardiology. Dr. Bertolet is actively involved in research and has over 50 scientific publications on his CV.
Dr. Bertolet has been selected as Teacher of the Year at the University of Florida-Gainesville as well as North Mississippi Medical Center. He was selected as one of the “Best Doctors in America” and voted a Mississippi HealthCare Hero in 2011.
Dr. Bertolet is the Vice President of the Mississippi Health Care Alliance and was actively involved in the design and development of the state-wide STEMI system of care.
William (Bill) Evans, MD/PhD-SRHS
Secretary/Treasurer
Bill Evans, MD, North Mississippi Medical Services; Treasurer, Mississippi Healthcare Alliance Board of Directors
Dr. William (Bill) Evans received his medical degree and a Ph.D. in psychology from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. He completed his residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.
Dr. Evans is the medical director of the Stroke Program for Singing River Pascagoula and Singing River Ocean Springs.
Dr. Evans is board-certified in Neurology and Vascular Neurology.
Clyde Deschamp, PhD
EMS Director
Jason Stacy, MD, FAANS, FACS
Member at Large Interventional Neurosurgery
Member at Large/Interventional Neurosurgery
Jason Stacy, MD, FAANS, FACS-North MS Medical Center (Northern Region)
Jason D. Stacy, MD, FAANS, FACS is a board-certified Neurosurgeon by the American Board of Neurological Surgery currently working at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, Mississippi. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia in 2005, and he received his medical degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2009. Jason completed a Neurosurgery Residency and Vascular/Endovascular Neurosurgery Fellowship at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi, where he served as chief resident. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Surgeons, the Congress of Neurosurgeons, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and the Congress of State Neurosurgical Societies (CSNS). For the CSNS, he is the Southeast Quadrant Chair. He holds board memberships on the Neurosurgery Political Action Committee and the Mississippi Healthcare Alliance and is a member of the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Committee for the Division of Emergency Medical Services of the Mississippi Department of Health. He joined the North Mississippi Medical Center in August 2016 and specializes in general and endovascular neurosurgery.
Robert C. Weathersby, MSN-HCA, RN
Member at Large Administration and Nursing
Robert C. Weathersby, MSN, BSN, BS, RN
Chief Operating Officer
Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center – McComb, MS
Robert C. Weathersby is the Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center in McComb, Mississippi. A dynamic and results-driven healthcare executive, Robert brings over 20 years of experience in hospital operations and healthcare leadership. In his current role, he oversees a wide range of ancillary departments that support the broader health system, with a proven track record of driving operational efficiency, leading successful initiatives, and improving quality measures.
Robert holds a Master of Science in Nursing and Healthcare Administration from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mississippi University for Women, an Associate Degree in Nursing from Hinds Community College, and a Bachelor of Science from The University of Southern Mississippi. His diverse academic background complements his strategic approach to hospital management, growth, and cost containment.
He is highly regarded for his ability to foster leadership development among department heads and for his skill in strategic planning and organizational improvement. Robert is an active member of the Mississippi Nurses Association, the American College of Healthcare Executives, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Committed to community health and professional development, he serves on several statewide committees including the Mississippi Lung Cancer Round Table, North Pike Career and Technical Education Board, and the Mississippi Healthcare Alliance.
Robert resides in Clinton, Mississippi, with his wife Robyn and their two daughters, Kyla and Evyn. A native of Jackson, MS, he is dedicated to advancing healthcare in his community and across the region.
Thad Waites, MD
Member at Large Cardiology
Thad Waites, MD - Board Member at Large/Cardiology - Forest General Hospital (South Region)
Dr. Waites has worked tirelessly in numerous roles to promote cardiovascular health. Dr. Waites is on the Mississippi State Board of Health and the STEMI System of Care Performance Improvement Committee. His service includes the ACC Board of Trustees – Past Chair, ACC Health Affairs Committee- Past Chair, ACC Board of Governors- Past Chair, and Southeastern Affiliate of the American Heart Association -Past President. In 2023, he received the American College of Cardiology's Distinguished Fellow Award. Dr. Waites is affiliated with the Society of Cardiac Angiography, the Mississippi State Medical Association, and the American Medical Association. Dr. Waites is also a proud veteran, serving as a Flight Surgeon for the US Navy Reserve.
Regional STEMI Coordinators
Finley Boyd
North Regional STEMI Coordinator
Finley Kellum Boyd, BSN, RN
Finley Kellum Boyd, BSN, RN, is the Cardiac Advanced Nurse Clinician at Baptist Memorial Hospital- Desoto. In her current role, she is responsible for cardiac registries and the American College of Cardiology Chest Pain accreditation. BMHCC Desoto participates in many National Cardiovascular Data Registries including Chest Pain / MI Registry, Cath / PCI Registry, EP Device Implant Registry, Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Registry, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons Registry. She serves as the the AMI and CABG liaison for the Quality Mortality and Readmission Committee. Through her work on this committee, AMI and CABG mortalities and readmissions continue to be below the national average.
Mrs. Boyd has over 14 years of experience in cardiac nursing. Her responsibilities have included overseeing chest pain observation unit and Pre and Post cardiac cath lab recovery. Finley has an Associate Degree in Nursing from Hinds Community College, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Delta State University.
When she is not working, Mrs. Boyd is very active with her family and her church. She is married to Lamar Boyd and they have three children. Finley is active in the PTA and Booster Club at Tunica Academy in Tunica. She regularly teaches Sunday School and leads Children’s Church at the Tunica Methodist Church.
Melissa Stampley
Central Regional STEMI Coordinator
Melissa Stampley, RN, MSN. Melissa has been the Central Regional STEMI Coordinator since 2019!
Melissa is the Cardiovascular Quality Manager at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). UMMC is designated as a STEMI receiving center by the Mississippi Health Department (MSDH), known for its advanced cardiac procedures and for hosting Mississippi’s only interventional cardiology fellowship.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Louisiana State University School of Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing Healthcare Administration from the University of Mississippi School of Nursing. With 19 years of nursing experience, including 16 years in cardiology, and 9 years in quality improvement, she is dedicated to advancing patient care and outcomes.
In her role at UMMC, Melissa oversees the STEMI program's outcomes and manages multiple national cardiac quality registries. She leads the UMMC STEMI Performance Improvement Committee and is actively involved in several MSDH STEMI committees.
Originally from Mandeville, Louisiana, Melissa has called Brandon, Mississippi, home for the past 19 years. She is married with two children and enjoys watching her kids' sporting events and reading in her spare time.
Ginny Hudson
South Regional STEMI Coordinator
Ginny Hudson, BSN, RN, South Regional STEMI Coordinator
Ginny has served the Mississippi Healthcare Alliance since 2015!!!
She is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi and began her nursing career at Methodist Hospital (currently Merit Health Wesley) in Hattiesburg. During that time, she worked for one year in Pulmonary/Telemetry and then spent the last part of her time at Methodist Hospital working in the emergency room.
In February of 2000, she began working at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg as an invasive procedure nurse in the Cardiac Cath Lab and then in September of 2015, she transferred to the role of STEMI Coordinator for Forrest General Hospital. She also serves on the hospital committee for the American Heart Walk.
Ginny, her husband and two children, Kennedy and Tyler, live in Purvis, Mississippi and are members of Venture Church in Hattiesburg. In her spare time, Ginny enjoys walking and playing pickle ball. Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Regional Stroke Coordinators
Lee Waldrop
North Regional Stroke Coordinator
Lee Waldrop, RN, BSN
Lee Waldrop, RN, BSN is the stroke coordinator for North Mississippi Health Services. North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo is certified by DNV Healthcare as a Primary Stroke Center Plus and designated as a Level 1 Stroke Center by the state of Mississippi. Lee has over thirty years’ experience as a registered nurse who comes from a critical care background. During her time at NMMC-Tupelo she worked in various capacities including Administrative Director of Emergency Services in which she oversaw the Patient Logistics Center, Ambulance Dispatch, Critical Care Transport, Aeromedical Services, the Trauma Department and Ambassador Services. She started her career in emergency services where she served as a flight nurse, an emergency room charge nurse and nurse educator.
Lee also worked for the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency (MORA) for 15 years to insure that families have the opportunity of organ and tissue donation upon the death of a loved one. In her capacity at MORA she served as the Director of Physician Services and Co-Director of Hospital Development working with hospital administrators, physicians, nursing staff, transplant teams and the general public to facilitate and promote organ and tissue donation in Mississippi.
Lee grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi. She now lives in New Albany, Mississippi and has been proud to call it home for the past 35 years. She is a graduate of Mississippi State University, Itawamba Community College School of Nursing and Walden University School of Nursing. She is married, has three married children and three grandchildren. Lee is a proud member of the Northeast Mississippi Honor Guard who pays tribute to fallen nurses. She is a member of First Methodist Church where she serves on the Board of Trustees and teaches Sunday school. In her spare time, she enjoys remodeling houses, refinishing furniture, gardening and most of all spending time with her family.
Neal Kiihnl
Central Regional Stroke Coordinator:
Neal Kiihnl, BSN, RN, BA
Neal started his nursing career in 2002 at the University Mississippi Medical Center where he became the Stroke Program Manager in 2012. Neal is MHCA’s Central Regional Stroke Coordinator,
UMMC achieved certification through The Joint Commission (TJC) as both a Primary and Comprehensive Stroke Center during Neal’s time with UMMC Stroke Center. Neal values and always endeavors to take a collaborative approach on maximizing and improving patient- centered care in university-wide programs. It is Neal’s passion to improve positive outcomes among Mississippians who’ve experienced a stroke by educating them on knowing signs and symptoms, and when to call 911.
Neal enjoys spending time with his family including his wife of over twenty years, Jamie, and his three children, Neely, Gabe and Marly.
Heather Sudduth
Southern Regional Stroke Coordinator
Meet our South Regional Stroke Coordinator, Heather Sudduth.
Heather is the Coordinator of Neuroscience Programs at Singing River Health System. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has received specialty certifications as a Certified Case Manager and Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist. As Coordinator of Neuroscience Programs, Heather was instrumental in the development of their stroke program. She has over 15 years of experience in stroke program development, mentorship, and created the first Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center in Mississippi.
Heather has received over $1 million in grant funding for community and healthcare providers’ education and is a national speaker on stroke and brain and spinal cord injury prevention. She is actively involved in numerous state and national organizations and enjoys volunteering in her community. This past year, Heather received the Mississippi Business Journal’s “2023 Top 50 Business Women of the Year” award.