Special to Iredell Free News
Iredell Health System is pleased to welcome Damon Hays as the new assistant vice president of the Iredell Physician Network.
Hays was a practicing podiatrist for 13 years, with his own practices for 10 of those years. He was president of Hays Foot and Ankle Centers and a podiatry-focused home health agency. Hays later worked as the director of operations for Adventist Health in Tillamook, Oregon, overseeing outpatient clinics and urgent care facilities.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Truman State University in Missouri and earned his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine in
Ohio. Hays will graduate in the fall of 2022 with a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in healthcare from Drake University.
Hays has always had an interest in healthcare. Several externships in high school gave him the ability to get an inside look into various healthcare careers.
“I have a true passion for helping people on their healthcare journey. Being on the administrative side of healthcare has shown me that I can still affect change within patients’ lives. Every day, I strive to impact someone’s life in a positive manner, and healthcare allows me to accomplish this goal,” he said.
As the assistant vice president of the Iredell Physician Network, Hays will oversee operations for Iredell Mooresville, the Iredell Wellness & Diabetes Center, and Iredell’s ambulatory surgery center in Statesville.
Hays was initially drawn to Iredell Health System because of the positive, personalized impact nonprofit hospitals have on the community.
He is excited to begin his new role, work with the Iredell team, and help grow Iredell Health System’s footprint in Mooresville.
“It should be the first goal of any organization leader to listen to their team, integrate into those teams, and help drive positive change where it’s needed. I want to help Iredell become the preeminent healthcare system for the region with my focus on the Mooresville area,” said Hays.
“I have a passion for improving quality outcomes and positively affecting patient satisfaction.”
Hays is a St. Louis native but has lived in Portland, Oregon, for almost four years. He is looking forward to living in North Carolina as he will be closer to the many friends and family he has in
the Southeast.
He loves sports and is a Cardinals baseball and Blues hockey fan. Hays also enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors, especially kayaking and hiking. He has traveled to over 30 countries and hopes to visit many more.
About Iredell Health System
Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare facility has 247 beds; more than 1,700 employees; and has 260 physicians representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The Health System’s newest campus, Iredell Mooresville, is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.