Henry Ford Allegiance Health in Jackson Announces Paula Autry as President, CEO

1054
Paula Autry
Paula Autry // Photo courtesy of Henry Ford Health System

Paula Autry replaced Georgia Fojtasek as president and CEO of Jackson’s Henry Ford Allegiance Health on July 31. Fojtasek held the position for 25 years. Autry will oversee the entire clinical and financial enterprise of the institution as well as the health system’s central market, which covers a seven-county region in south central Michigan.

“I could not be more excited to return to Michigan and join a storied organization like Henry Ford,” says Autry, who was selected following a national search. “Henry Ford has long been dedicated to clinical innovation and improving the health and wellness of the community, and I am simply thrilled for the opportunity to create a lasting impact on the well-being of the people of Jackson and the surrounding community.”

Before being hired at Henry Ford, Autry was CEO of Lutheran Hospital of Indiana. This tertiary care facility specializes in heart and kidney transplant programs, cancer care, and bariatric surgery programs. During Autry’s time there, the hospital achieved many certifications and recognitions, including Comprehensive Stroke Certification, National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers Designation, and American College of Cardiology HeartCARE Designation.

“(Autry) shares our passion for improving the overall health of the communities she serves and is excited to become a member of the Jackson community,” says Bob Riney, president of Henry Ford Health Systems, Healthcare Operations and COO. “This commitment, along with her proven ability to lead strategic direction and operational improvements, and build lasting relationships with physicians and community leaders, makes her a perfect fit for Henry Ford.”

Autry also served as CEO of the Detroit Medical Center’s Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit. She has also held executive leadership roles with many institutions, including Morehouse School of Medicine in Georgia, Mount Carmel East Hospital in Ohio, and Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital in Virginia.

Outside of her career, Autry has served on boards including the American College of Healthcare Executives’ (ACHE) board of governors and the American Hospital Association’s Policy Board. 

Autry earned a bachelor’s degree in pre-medicine from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. She then attended Tulane University in Louisiana, where she received her Master of Business Administration and a master’s degree in health care administration. Autry is also a fellow with ACHE.