From navigating expansion projects to championing partnerships that elevated local healthcare, Jim's leadership has shaped the hospital we know and love today. As he prepares for his well-earned retirement, we invite you to celebrate his remarkable journey — one filled with purpose, progress, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Read Jim's Letter to the CommunityCelebrating
Jim Peace
For over 18 years, CEO Jim Peace has led with purpose, humor, and heart — shaping Russell Medical into the trusted, community-driven hospital it is today.
From Vision to Legacy - A Look Back At Jim's Journey
Jim's career at Russell Medical has been marked by bold ideas, community partnerships, and a knack for making even the toughest days feel manageable. Scroll through the moments that helped shape the hospital's future — and our shared story.
Milestones and Memories
2008
L.E. “Jim” Peace, III becomes President & CEO of Russell Medical.
2011
Jim Peace named Chamber of Commerce “Business Person of the Year”
Russell Medical receives the prestigious Everest Award
Russell Medical named one of Thomson Reuters Top 100 Hospitals
2012
Jim Peace named among the Top 100 Hospital Leaders in Becker’s Hospital Review
2013
Russell Medical constructs a new cardiac catheterization lab.
2015
Total Healthcare and Urgent Care opens.
Russell Medical establishes the hospital’s first rural health clinic in Coosa County.
2016
Facility rebrands as Russell Medical
2018
7 additional acres and the former Russell Retail building are acquired; redevelops it into The Mill 280 multi-purpose event venue.
2019
Opening of the Transitional Care Unit (TCU) to serve patients recovering from acute illness, surgery, or injury, with a goal of restoring independence.
2020
Management agreement entered with UAB Health System becoming a system member
Initiates Incident Command in response to COVID-19’s arrival in the U.S., activating the hospital’s emergency Plan D.
2021
Announcement of the Russell Legacy Project, enabled by a $25 million gift from Ben and Luanne Russell.
Opens Health Partners of New Site, the third rural health clinic.
Opens Russell Medical Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in the RM Professional Building.
Installs a new da Vinci robotic surgical system in surgery.
2023
Russell Medical Centennial Celebration! 100 years of service to the Community.
Ranked #3 on NewsWeek’s Best-In-State Hospitals
Upgrades EHR software system
2024
Grand Opening of the Benjamin Russell Center for Advanced Care
Expanded specialty services with the addition of Endocrinology and Pulmonology
Ranked #3 on NewsWeek’s Best-In-State Hospitals
2025
Purchase of new SIGNA™ Artist T Wide Bore MRI Scanner
Grand Opening of Sterling Gate Senior Living Community
Expanded specialty services with the addition of Podiatry
A Few Things You Might Not Know About Jim
Beyond the boardroom and the big decisions, Jim has always been known for his warmth, his wit, and a few unforgettable personal quirks. Here are some fun highlights from the man whose leadership - and personality - left an impact on all of us.
Jim says he doesn’t like chocolate but he is always sneaking into my office to get a Rolo or caramel..like I can’t hear him or see his reflection on my computer screen.
His favorite question to ask during an interview is: ‘Describe the trunk of your car – what is in it?’
He nicknames everyone, entirely on the fly – you never know what it may be & usually he’ll change it up. So, if you think you don’t have a nickname…you do, made up completely, courtesy of Mr. Peace.
When I asked if I could add my own money to the budget for office furniture for my CMO office…he was not prepared for my choices. I had it delivered and set up over the weekend. Monday morning when he walked by… his face was priceless..…backed up and looked again and was actually speechless except for “well…well..well..it is different” . Now all office furniture has to be reviewed by Jim prior to purchase.
Before leading Russell Medical, Jim spent time on the Auburn Police force — which might explain why he notices everything. If something’s out of place, he’ll spot it before you finish your sentence.
Share Your Message With Jim
Jim's story is built on thousands of connections across decades of care. Leave a note and wish him well as he begins his next chapter.
Mr. Peace has made a big difference here. Not only at the hospital but also investing in and bringing more healthcare to the community, like the Cancer Center, Urgent Care, and others that are close by and serve many nearby cities and counties. He has been a great leader! I wish him well in his next chapter.
Arlean Wyckoff
A New Chapter for Russell Medical
Jim may be stepping into retirement, but the mission he helped build continues with strength and purpose. In the coming months, we'll introduce our new CEO — a leader committed to advancing Russell Medical's legacy of excellence, innovation, and community care.
Because while this is the end of one chapter, it's also the start of an exciting new one — written with the same heart that's guided us all along.