Christinia Jepsen Honored for Hurricane Recovery Efforts
Christinia Jepsen, former CEO and current project manager at Calhoun Liberty Hospital, has been named one of the 2024 Above & Beyond: Women honorees by the News Service of Florida. The annual list recognizes trailblazers who have distinguished themselves in government, business, nonprofits, media, health care and other high-profile fields.
Jepsen’s unwavering dedication to the hospital and its role in the community has been instrumental in recovery from the devastating impact of Hurricane Michael. When she joined CLH in 2020, she faced a daunting task: running a hospital that was operating at a mere 40 percent capacity, burdened by 650 sandbags on its roof and vulnerable to even moderate storms, while also working to build a new facility.
Mark Plummer, Chairman of the Calhoun Liberty Hospital Board, praised Jepsen’s leadership. “Her dedication and tenacity have been invaluable,” he said. “Chris has been a driving force in seeing our new
hospital become a reality.”
Despite many challenges, including a global pandemic and skyrocketing costs of construction materials, Jepsen helped secure $40 million to construct the new, state-of-the-art 50,000-square-foot hospital. The new building, currently more than 75 percent complete, is designed to withstand hurricanes and floods, ensuring the community’s access to vital healthcare services.
To dedicate her full attention to this ambitious project, Jepsen transitioned to the role of full-time project manager in early 2024. Her passion for critical access hospitals and rural healthcare has been the driving force behind her efforts.
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” Jepsen said. “My passion lies in serving small hospitals and ensuring they have the resources they need to provide quality care to their communities.”
Jepsen’s recognition as an Above & Beyond: Woman is a testament to her leadership, resilience, and positive impact on the lives of those she serves.
For a full list of the honorees visit www.newsserviceflorida.com.