Optim System names Castleberry new CEO
        David Castleberry was named recently as Optim System's new CEO.
        Castleberry will have responsibility for the physician-owned Optim Medical Center-Tattnall, Optim Medical Center-Jenkins, Optim Medical Center-Screven, Optim Therapy, Optim Imaging and Optim Surgery Center.
        "I am excited to join Optim and impressed at the growth the company has experienced over the years, connecting patients throughout the region with great doctors and clinical services. I look forward to joining this great team and being a part of its continued success," Castleberry said.
        A native of Georgia, Castleberry has been in healthcare management and public relations for more than 20 years. He started his career with Columbia/HCA Lanier Park Hospital as the public relations manager. From there he spent eight years with Health Management Associates managing multiple hospitals, including serving as the chief operating officer at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro and as the CEO at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville, SC. For the past seven years, he has been the CEO of Upson Regional Medical Center in Thomaston, GA.
        Castleberry earned a business degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta and a Master of Business Administration from Brenau University in Gainesville. Earlier this year, he was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Georgia Hospital Association.

East Georgia professor Dr. Tom Caiazzo attends national conference
         Dr. Tom Caiazzo, associate professor of Political Science at East Georgia State College in Statesboro, recently attended the 2015 Northeastern Political Science Association annual conference in Philadelphia.
        Dr. Caiazzo chaired a panel titled "Identity Politics and Public Policy." He also was the discussant for the panel, "Institutions Matter: Shaping and Reshaping the Political Playing Field." He attended a seminar presented by Shelton Williams, president of the Osgood Center for International Studies, as well as a presentation by Jennifer Hochschild, president of the American Political Science Association.
        Dr. Caiazzo has been a member of the Northeastern Political Science Association for almost two decades and was the 2013 National Sectional Chair in American Public Policy.