This panel has been approved for 1.5 ACHE Virtual Interactive Credits.

Joshua Johnson, MBA
Franchise Owner
Chick-fil-A Lindale/North Tyler

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Speakers’ Bios:

Scott Avery’s journey from the United States Army to COO of Paris Regional Health is a testament to his versatile leadership and unwavering commitment to service. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Scott’s path was marked by dedication and a passion for both his country and community.

After completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington, Scott embarked on a distinguished military career spanning nearly three decades. His early years in the Army saw him serve as an Aeromedical Evacuation Pilot, a role that demanded precision, courage, and a deep sense of responsibility for the lives in his care. Transitioning seamlessly into the role of UH-60 Blackhawk Test Pilot, Scott continued to excel, showcasing his adaptability and technical expertise.

However, it was his transition into hospital administration that truly showcased Scott’s leadership potential. Over the course of 12 years, he took on progressively challenging roles within Army hospitals and hospital systems, demonstrating his ability to lead in high-pressure environments. Scott’s deployments to Iraq, totaling four times which underscored his resilience and dedication to serving others in the face of adversity.

Scott’s leadership prowess was further honed during his tenure as the CEO of Martin Army Community Hospital at Fort Benning, Georgia. In this role, he oversaw the delivery of healthcare services to military personnel and their families, embodying the values of compassion and excellence.

In 2017, Scott made the transition to civilian healthcare, joining Paris Regional Health as the Chief Operating Officer. His arrival heralded a new era of leadership, marked by innovation, efficiency, and a steadfast commitment to patient care. Over the past seven years, Scott has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to serving the community by serving extensively on community boards, embodying the hospital’s mission of Making Communities Healthier.

Scott’s leadership extends beyond the confines of Paris Regional Health, as evidenced by his brief stint as the Interim CEO of Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville, Oregon. His willingness to step into challenging roles underscores his dedication to advancing healthcare excellence wherever he goes.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Scott is a man of diverse interests and passions. Whether he’s teeing off on the golf course, navigating the waters on his boat, casting a line while fishing, or soaring through the skies, Scott finds joy in every moment. His love for the outdoors is matched only by his devotion to his family, whom he cherishes above all else.

With two master’s degrees in military studies and strategic leadership under his belt, Scott Avery embodies the intersection of military discipline, strategic thinking, and healthcare expertise. His journey from military service to healthcare leadership is a testament to his unwavering commitment to service, excellence, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Shelly Birmingham, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC is the Chief Nursing Executive at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System in Tyler, Texas. With extensive experience in the healthcare industry, Shelly plays a pivotal role in overseeing nursing operations and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care.

Under her leadership, the nursing department has achieved numerous milestones, including the implementation of advanced patient care technologies and the development of comprehensive training programs for nursing staff. Shelly has been instrumental in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction, leading initiatives that have significantly reduced hospital readmission rates and enhanced overall patient safety.

Her dedication to excellence has earned her recognition within the healthcare community, including several awards for leadership and innovation in nursing. Shelly’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment has also contributed to high levels of staff retention and morale.

Her vision and strategic planning have positioned Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System as a leader in healthcare, known for its exceptional nursing care and patient-centered approach.

Joshua Johnson grew up in Tyler, TX, graduated from Winona High School, and received a BS in Computer and Electrical Engineering from Baylor University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Tyler. He became a Chick-fil-A Franchise Owner at the age of 24, owned Chick-fil-A Broadway Square Mall for 14 years, currently owns and operates Chick-fil-A Lindale/North Tyler and works as a licensee consultant for the Tyler Junior College and University of Texas at Tyler Chick-fil-A locations.

Joshua has served as president of Discovery Science Place and Leadership Tyler, as vice president of Pinnacle at Oak Hills Property Association, as a director of East Texas Youth Orchestra, and as committee chair for Boy Scout Troop 370. He currently serves as a director of Discovery Science Place and Chick-fil-A Franchise Owner’s Captive Insurance Company, as chair elect of Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce, and as a member of the East Texas Coalition Council.

Joshua’s passion is to develop leaders who develop leaders. He loves to spend time investing in high school students – both in his own business and through Chick-fil-A Leader Academy in high schools such as Lindale, Winona, and Mineola. He also has a passion for local non-profits and loves to support organizations such as Bethesda Health Clinic, Smith County Junior Livestock Show, Promise Academy, Lindale ISD Foundation, Tyler ISD Foundation, and For the Silent.

He is married to his wife of 21 years Jill and has 4 sons: Shepard, Fisher, Kinsler, and Merritt.

John Phillips, FACHE, serves as president of Methodist Dallas Medical Center.

Since stepping into the role in 2018, Phillips has guided the hospital through accomplishments including recruitment of additional medical staff members to meet the growing needs of the hospitals service area, further development of the Da Vinci minimally invasive surgical program, established the MHS Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Program and numerous hospital expansion and renovation projects providing the hospital’s patients access to high-quality healthcare services. Under his direction, Methodist Dallas has received accreditations as an American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Facility, Level I Trauma re-designation and Level III maternal and neonatal intensive care designation.

Phillips has been a member of the Methodist Health System family since 2011. Philips served seven years as president of Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, a 254-bed non-profit acute care hospital. Under his leadership in Mansfield, the hospital achieved Magnet designation for excellence in nursing and opened the $118-million Amon G. Carter Foundation Heart and Vascular Center as well as a new patient tower and $11.8-million professional office building.

Prior to joining Methodist, Phillips served as Chief Operating Officer at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System in Texarkana and Chief Operating Officer at Davis Regional Medical Center in North Carolina.

Phillips earned a Bachelors in Physical Therapy from UT Southwestern, an MBA from Hardin-Simmons University and a Master of Health Care Administration from Trinity University. Outside of his role at Methodist Dallas, Phillips, his wife and two children enjoy family vacations, hiking and traveling.