Lynn Jackson, president and CEO of Northside Hospital Forsyth, has been named the Outstanding Woman in Healthcare for 2025 by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals (GACH). The honor was presented at the Alliance’s 42nd annual conference on Oct. 4.
Julie Ballantine, director of strategic planning for Northside Hospital, presented the award alongside Monty Veazey, president and CEO of GACH. The award was sponsored by the Georgia Chapter, Women in Healthcare.
“When thinking about how to describe this year’s Outstanding Woman in Healthcare, one phrase kept coming to mind: servant leader,” said Ballantine. “A servant leader puts others’ needs first, fosters collaboration by demonstrating empathy and listening, empowers employees and builds a strong sense of community. This year’s honoree exemplifies all those qualities. She has dedicated herself to a life of service and community leadership.”
Under Jackson’s leadership, Northside Hospital Forsyth has grown from a 41-bed community hospital into a 407-bed regional medical center serving one of Georgia’s fastest-growing areas. Her vision and commitment to excellence have guided Forsyth’s transformation into a trusted, award-winning hospital known for compassionate care and innovation.
“Lynn Jackson embodies everything we aspire to be as health care leaders — visionary, compassionate and committed to our patients and our community,” said Amy Fischer, chief operating officer of Northside Forsyth. “Her leadership has not only transformed Northside Hospital Forsyth into a regional powerhouse but also created a culture of excellence, innovation and heart.”
During Jackson’s tenure, Northside Forsyth has been recognized among Georgia’s top hospitals in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals and earned the Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award, placing it among the top 15% of hospitals nationwide for patient satisfaction.
Her leadership extends beyond hospital walls. Jackson partnered with Forsyth County Schools to help Forsyth Central High School establish a STEM Academy and create an internship program allowing students to earn phlebotomy certification before college — building a pipeline of future health care professionals.
“Lynn has dedicated her life to caring for patients and for the providers who care for those patients, first as a bedside nurse and over the years as a hospital leader,” said Deidre Dixon, CEO of Northside Hospital Atlanta. “She has a passion for helping others in her community and beyond.”
“I have known and worked with Lynn Jackson since 1991,” said Carolyn Booker, chief nursing officer at Northside Forsyth. “She has always been a leader, a listener, a counselor, an organizer, a supporter, a prognosticator (at times) and a purveyor of what is fair and just, no matter the situation being encountered.
“She always found ways to meet the needs of those around her, many times by sacrificing personally. But for Lynn, it was always worth the sacrifice to see that others were helped — she is just that type of person.”
Read the news release from GACH.
Pictured, from left: Monty Veazey, president and CEO, Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals, and Lynn Jackson, CEO, Northside Hospital Forsyth.
