A Personal Homecoming

As Scott Raynes steps into his new role as president and CEO of Marshall Health Network, it marks the continuation of a remarkable career — and a personal homecoming. Raynes, who has earned the distinction of FACHE (Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives), was born and raised in West Virginia and brings with him decades of experience as well as a heartfelt commitment to the Mountain State.

"Returning to West Virginia to help lead and contribute to Marshall Health Network is both humbling and exciting," Raynes said. "Growing up in Oak Hill, West Virginia — and I believe this holds true for anyone raised in the state — instills a strong sense of community and purpose. We are taught to be caring, compassionate, hardworking and loyal. These values are part of who we are, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to return home."

It was in West Virginia that Raynes began his health care career, setting him on a path that would see him rise to leadership positions across the southeastern United States. Most recently, Raynes served as president and CEO of Southeast Georgia Health System, where he led a comprehensive network that included a teaching hospital, a children's hospital, a community hospital and two skilled nursing facilities, along with a multispecialty physician group of more than 200 providers.

"Scott has the vision, expertise and compassion to lead Marshall Health Network as an academic health system for the future," said David Fox, chair of the Marshall Health Network board of directors. "His deep commitment to the people of our state and his passion for improving health care make him the ideal leader for Marshall Health Network's important next chapter."

In his new role, Raynes will work closely with Marshall University, an institution he has long admired for its transformative impact on the region, he said.

"Marshall University means so much to so many," Raynes said. "Working with President Smith is absolutely energizing to me. When you spend time with him, you know, immediately, he is committed to improving the quality of life in our region. As the region's growing academic health system, Marshall Health Network is proud to join President Smith and Marshall University in reaching new heights of success, and I'm excited to contribute to that bright future."

Raynes succeeds Kevin W. Yingling, RPh, MD, who served as Marshall Health Network's founding president and CEO. Under Dr. Yingling's leadership, the academic health system and the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine realized impressive growth, including expanded pediatric and cardiovascular facilities and the development of rural and surgical residency programs.

"Dr. Yingling has been the ideal leader to guide Marshall Health Network to the outstanding system it is today," Raynes said.

"A visionary, he is also incredibly intelligent, thoughtful and articulate. Above all, he embodies integrity and humility — a true servant-leader. It is the greatest honor of my career to continue the important work he has started."

Raynes earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from the West Virginia Institute of Technology, an MBA with a specialization in health care from West Virginia University and a master's degree in higher education and counseling from Morehead State University. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and past president of the Tennessee Hospital Association.

Beyond the accolades and professional milestones, it's Raynes' personal ties to the region that stand out. His wife, Shawnna, is a Huntington native. They have two daughters: Delaney, who is attending Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Ella, who is a senior at the University of Alabama.

"Our family has been fortunate to live and work in some wonderful places, making lasting friendships along the way," Raynes said. "Now, we look forward to welcoming those friends to visit and experience the beauty of our home state."

With an impressive career that spans decades and regions, Scott Raynes is no stranger to making an impact. Now, he's ready to do so in the state he calls home, where his leadership at Marshall Health Network is poised to usher in a new era of health care in the region.