Lynn Jackson, president and CEO of Northside Hospital Forsyth, has been recognized as the Outstanding Woman in Healthcare for 2025 by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals (GACH). The award was presented during GACH’s 42nd annual conference on October 4.
The recognition was announced by Julie Ballantine, director of strategic planning for Northside Hospital, and Monty Veazey, president and CEO of GACH. The award is sponsored by the Georgia Chapter of Women in Healthcare.
“When thinking about how to describe this year’s Outstanding Woman in Healthcare, one phrase kept coming to mind: servant leader,” said Ballantine. “A servant leader puts others’ needs first, fosters collaboration by demonstrating empathy and listening, empowers employees and builds a strong sense of community. This year’s honoree exemplifies all those qualities. She has dedicated herself to a life of service and community leadership.”
Jackson has overseen significant growth at Northside Hospital Forsyth, expanding it from a 41-bed facility into a 407-bed regional medical center serving a rapidly growing area in Georgia. Her leadership has been credited with transforming the hospital into an institution known for its care and innovation.
“Lynn Jackson embodies everything we aspire to be as health care leaders — visionary, compassionate and committed to our patients and our community,” said Amy Fischer, chief operating officer of Northside Forsyth. “Her leadership has not only transformed Northside Hospital Forsyth into a regional powerhouse but also created a culture of excellence, innovation and heart.”
During her time at the hospital, Northside Forsyth has received recognition among Georgia’s top hospitals in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Hospitals rankings and earned the Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award.
Jackson’s efforts extend beyond healthcare administration; she worked with Forsyth County Schools to help establish a STEM Academy at Forsyth Central High School and developed an internship program that allows students to earn phlebotomy certification before college.
“Lynn has dedicated her life to caring for patients and for the providers who care for those patients, first as a bedside nurse and over the years as a hospital leader,” said Deidre Dixon, CEO of Northside Hospital Atlanta. “She has a passion for helping others in her community and beyond.”
“I have known and worked with Lynn Jackson since 1991,” said Carolyn Booker, chief nursing officer at Northside Forsyth. “She has always been a leader, a listener, a counselor, an organizer, a supporter, a prognosticator (at times) and a purveyor of what is fair and just, no matter the situation being encountered.
“She always found ways to meet the needs of those around her, many times by sacrificing personally. But for Lynn, it was always worth the sacrifice to see that others were helped — she is just that type of person.”
A news release from GACH provides further details on this recognition.
