Brian Smith was placed as the vice president of human resources at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina. The medical center is a 428-bed modern medical complex that anchors a vast, countywide network of more than 600 physicians, 1,600 nurses, 70 medical practices, six community-based medical and urgent care centers, an occupational health center, the largest skilled nursing facility in the Carolinas, and an Alzheimer’s care center. Lexington Medical Center is recognized as one of the fastest growing, most successful hospitals in the Southeast. Brian is responsible for developing, leading, administering, and coordinating all phases of the organization’s human resource functions, including talent acquisition, compensation and benefit administration, workforce development, and staff development, and has additional responsibility for guest services/patient satisfaction, Health Directions Wellness Center, employee health/workers’ compensation, and volunteer services.
Brian brings to the position a unique background in healthcare operations, along with an extensive background as an HR executive. He is an engaging and motivational leader who is known for creating highly-organized, well-run human resource functions.
Before joining Lexington Medical Center, Brian served as the director of human resources and system affiliate benefits for UNC REX Healthcare in Raleigh, North Carolina. REX encompasses 403 acute care beds and 227 skilled nursing beds over six suburban campuses, as well as five wellness centers and three outpatient surgery centers. It is served by 5,700 team members, with a total of approximately 1,200 physicians on the medical staff and $854 million in net revenue. There, Brian had responsibility for benefits, compensation, HRIS, employee relations, employee health, and workers’ compensation. He successfully created and operated a system benefit plan for the non-state employees in the UNC Health Care system, and consolidated and integrated benefits across the organization.
Brian’s previous positions at REX included director of laboratory services, director of the Senior Health Center, nursing home administrator, and interim pharmacy director. He has also served as a nursing home administrator for Integrated Health Services, Vencor, and NorthStar of North Carolina. Brian began his career as an account manager for Healthcare Services Group, Inc.
Brian is a lifelong resident of North Carolina, and earned both his bachelor’s degree in biology and his MHA degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brian and his wife are the parents of two children. Outside of work, Brian has a passion for coaching and playing sports and enjoys boating and other water activities.
