Dr. Asante Hilts, DrPH, MPH

Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Asante’ Hilts succeeds Sarah Lang, who recently retired after more than 28 years in her role, as CEO of Valley Healthcare System. Dr. Asante’ Hilts is a passionate health administrator with over 13 years of community health experience. Dr. Hilts was born and raised in Rochester, NY. Dr. Hilts completed her Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Master’s Degree in Public Health, and Doctorate degree in Social Behavior and Community Health. In 2018, Dr. Hilts left the New York State Department of Health and relocated to Columbus, Georgia accepting the District Program Manager position with the Georgia Department of Public Health overseeing public health programs for the 16 counties of the West Central Health District. Dr. Hilts serves on the Muscogee County School District COVID Medical Panel and the Enrichment Services Vaccine Equity Steering Committee.

Jeff Kirkpatrick

Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Kirkpatrick has of 25 years in health care finance and operations. He has held positions as CFO, Director of Physician Operations, Financial Analyst and Director of Due Diligence. He has provided support in both outpatient clinic and inpatient hospital settings, working in large urban and small rural hospitals. Responsible for the financial and operational management of as many as eight clinics and 22 physicians. He has been Project Manager for the implementation of EHR systems, creation of annual budgetary goals, business development and RVU metrics for physician practices.

Kimberly Brown-Gullatt, MD

Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Brown-Gullatt has served as VHCS’s Chief Medical Officer since 12/2017, after serving in a staff physician role for VHCS since 2011. Dr. Brown-Gullatt has 17 years of experience as a Physician. Her experience includes serving as Associate Physician for Columbus Clinic Private Practice, Staff Physician for Columbus Family Medicine Associates, Physician Consultant for Columbus Health Department, Staff Physician for Urgent Care and Occupational Medicine, and Resident Physician for Columbus Regional Medical Center. She received her M.D. from Tulane University School of Medicine, and holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry from Xavier University of New Orleans. She completed residency and training through the Family Practice Residency Program at Columbus Regional Medical Center, and is Board-certified in Family Medicine.