Eva Benedict
Honoree Profile
Eva Benedict began her career at Jones Memorial Hospital as a Critical Care staff nurse in 1981. In the two and half decades that followed, her accomplishments and dedication propelled her upward through the ranks of the hospital’s administration and management, culminating with her appointment as President and CEO in 2007.
Ms. Benedict’s tenure has provided strong leadership for Jones Memorial at a pivotal time for small community hospitals. She has helped the hospital to evolve in conjunction with larger changes occurring in healthcare.
In 2015, she led an evaluation of potential partners, resulting in Jones Memorial’s affiliation with the University of Rochester Medical Center. She continues to serve both Jones Memorial and the University as an active member of the affiliate leadership team.
In her leadership role, Ms. Benedict has made a priority of educating elected leaders about the unique role of rural community hospitals. She has stated, “making sure that our elected officials understand the practical impact that the policies they are considering will have on those living and working in rural areas is crucial.”
Most recently, she helped the hospital secure a $17 million Healthcare Facility Transformation Grant, an intensive, two-year effort. The grant will help secure Jones Memorial’s long-term viability by funding capital improvements that support new revenue streams. Among the elements of the project are the expansion and modernization of the surgical services suite and an initiative to integrate behavioral health and primary care.
In addition to her role at JMH, she is active in professional and community organizations. She has held board leadership positions in several health care organizations and currently serves on the boards of the Pandion Alliance and the Southern Tier Healthcare System. She serves community organizations including the YMCA of the Twin Tiers and the Alfred State College Council.
Ms. Benedict, a native of Bath, NY, received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the State University at Albany and her Master of Science in Nursing Administration from St. John Fisher College.
Ms. Benedict and her husband, Neil, live in Wellsville and have two grown daughters and five beautiful grandchildren.
