SGMC Health announces the promotion of Chad Nelms, RN, to Associate Vice President of Nursing.

In this role, Nelms will provide strategic and operational leadership for nursing services across the organization, supporting a cohesive and patient-centered approach to care. He will collaborate closely with nursing leaders, physicians, and executive leadership to advance clinical excellence, strengthen workforce engagement, and enhance care delivery across all settings. Nelms will also help lead initiatives that drive improvements in quality, safety, patient experience, and overall operational performance.

Nelms joined SGMC Health in 2022 as Administrative Director of Critical Care, where he led the day-to-day operations and clinical performance of the department. Throughout his tenure, he has played a key role in supporting high-acuity patient care services and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. Prior to joining SGMC Health, Nelms served as a Cath Lab Manager, bringing a strong foundation of clinical expertise and leadership experience developed over more than 20 years in healthcare.

Nelms holds an associate’s degree in nursing from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thomas University, and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from South University.

“I’m honored to continue serving SGMC Health in this expanded role,” said Nelms. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about supporting nurses and care teams as they deliver high-quality, compassionate care. I look forward to working alongside our leaders and staff to further strengthen our nursing services and enhance the experience for our patients and community.”

Nelms is married to Amanda, and together they have four children, Lee, Case, Trent, and Lance.

SGMC Health prioritizes a supportive and forward-thinking environment where nurses can thrive, grow professionally, and deliver exceptional patient care. By investing in leadership, fostering mentorship, and encouraging collaboration, the organization helps nurses build meaningful, long-term careers while improving outcomes for the communities it serves. This commitment was nationally recognized in 2026, when SGMC Health earned designation as a Great Workplace for Nursing—an honor that reflects its dedication to empowering and valuing its nursing team each day. 

To learn more, visit sgmc.org.