Canyon Vista Medical Center, part of Lifepoint Health, is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Avery as its new chief executive officer, effective August 18. Avery has been serving as interim CEO since June and brings more than 27 years of senior leadership experience in both civilian and military health care operations.

“Scott’s combination of healthcare leadership experience and community engagement makes him an ideal fit for Canyon Vista,” said Jen Alderfer, Western Division President of Lifepoint Health. “His ability to lead through transitions, align teams, and foster a culture of excellence ensures CVMC is well-positioned to advance its mission of making communities healthier.”

Before joining Canyon Vista, Avery served as chief operating officer at Paris Regional Health in Paris, Texas, where he led hospital operations for nearly eight years. During his tenure, the hospital earned national recognition for excellence in surgical care, heart failure treatment, and orthopedic services. Avery has also served in interim CEO roles at both Paris Regional and Willamette Valley Medical Center in Oregon.

Prior to joining Lifepoint in 2017, Avery completed a distinguished 30-year military career. He began his service as an aeromedical evacuation officer and Black Hawk helicopter pilot, later transitioning into healthcare administration. Notably, Avery served as the Commander (CEO) of Martin Army Community Hospital at Fort Benning, Georgia, a major military medical center, where he led a team of more than 2,000 staff and was responsible for the delivery of healthcare to over 65,000 covered lives. His leadership at Martin Army was marked by improvements in access, quality, and operational readiness.

Throughout his military service, Avery held senior leadership roles in military hospitals and regional health systems across the United States and internationally. His service included multiple deployments, command of a combat support hospital during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and leadership through humanitarian response missions and major healthcare reorganizations culminating as the Division VP for Regional Health Command Pacific in Honolulu, HI. He has consistently been recognized for advancing access to care, improving patient outcomes, and developing high-performing teams.

Avery holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Washington, a Master of Arts and Sciences from the Combined Arms Service Staff College, and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College. He is also a Lean Six Sigma-trained project manager and a commercial instrument-rated helicopter pilot.

In addition to his operational leadership, Avery is committed to developing future healthcare professionals and giving back to his community. He serves as a mentor for medical students through the UT Tyler School of Medicine, supports transitioning military members through American Corporate Partners, and contributes to several local civic boards.

“I am honored to continue serving the Canyon Vista team in this new capacity,” said Avery. “This hospital plays an important role in the health of this region, and I look forward to working with our talented staff and physicians to ensure we continue delivering safe, compassionate care to every patient we serve.”