For Immediate Release: Dec. 14, 2011

Grady Names New VP of Government Relations

Matthew Hicks begins work on Dec. 27, 2011

Contact: Denise Simpson
Phone: (404) 616-6855
E-mail: dsimpson@gmh.edu

Matthew Hicks

Grady Health System is pleased to announce that Matthew Hicks joins the executive team on Dec. 27 as the new Vice President of Government Relations. In this role, Hicks will be responsible for managing the vital relationships between Grady and its government partners.

Hicks brings more than a decade of experience in public policy to the health system, including work at the local, state and federal levels. He most recently served as Associate Legislative Director for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia. His duties included advocating on behalf of all 159 Georgia county governments in economic development, transportation and general government issues, providing technical assistance and leading policy research, development and implementation. In addition, Hicks managed public affairs efforts and special projects for the organization.

Earlier in his career, Hicks worked on social services and healthcare matters for United States Senator Zell Miller. He has also been a healthcare provider, serving as an emergency medical technician.

A graduate of Emory University, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Hicks grew up in DeKalb County. His community activities include serving on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development and chairing Leadership DeKalb's Government Day.

About Grady Health System
Grady Health System is one of the largest public health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.

With its nationally acclaimed Emergency Care Center and Burn Unit, Grady Health System has the only level I trauma center in the region. The state's only Poison Center is housed at Grady, as well.

The Diabetes Detection & Control Center, Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Primary Stroke Center and Avon Foundation Comprehensive Breast Center are also notable components of the health system. Moreover, Grady's Infectious Disease Program was named one of the top three HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country.

Other exceptional medical services include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center and its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Primary Care Center, a dedicated 60 Plus service line for older adults, Teen Services, the Rape Crisis Center and a 24-hour Advice Nurse Line.

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