Following a nationwide search, Optim Health System announces the appointment of Brian G. Evans, MBA, FACHE, as its Chief Operating Officer.

The Optim System includes hospitals in Reidsville and Sylvania, Optim Orthopedics in Statesboro, several outreach clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers in Savannah and Brunswick.

“Brian’s leadership approach and history of driving impactful results made him the clear fit for our System COO role,” said Alex Villa, System chief executive officer of Optim Health System. “We’re confident that his commitment to clinical quality, cost-effective operations, and patient-centered care will advance our mission to serve communities throughout Georgia and beyond.”

According to a release from Optim, Evans brings more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, having most recently served as vice president of Surgical Services at Trident Medical Center in Charleston, SC. 

In that role, he directed several departments – operating room, endoscopy and post-anesthesia care unit – achieving positive results in physician satisfaction, patient experience and operational improvements. 

Prior to Trident, Evans led strategic initiatives across multiple hospitals in HCA Healthcare’s South Atlantic Division, delivering growth, cost efficiencies and optimized clinical workflows. 

In his new capacity at Optim Health System, Evans will report directly to the System CEO. 

His key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Expansion: Collaborating with the executive team to develop long-range strategies and strengthen the company’s market position.

• Operational Excellence: Streamlining processes and resource allocation to balance cost, patient safety, and clinical quality.

• Team & Culture Building: Fostering employee engagement while enhancing recruitment, development, and retention across all locations.

• Community Integration: Ensuring that Optim Health System’s offerings meet the evolving needs of the communities it serves, while maintaining strong partnerships with regional providers and stakeholders.

Evans’s holds an MBA with a healthcare administration emphasis, and he is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.