Autry will provide strategic leadership and direction over the entire clinical and financial enterprise of Henry Ford Allegiance Health and the health system’s Central Market, which encompasses 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,” said Autry. “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.”
Autry most recently served as CEO of Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne, IN, a tertiary care facility whose specialty areas include northern Indiana’s only heart and kidney transplant programs, accredited cancer care and bariatric surgery programs, and a Level II verified adult and pediatric trauma center. The largest member multi-site facility within the Lutheran Health Network, Lutheran Hospital of Indiana achieved multiple accreditations and certifications under Autry’s leadership, including Comprehensive Stroke Certification, National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers Designation and American College of Cardiology HeartCARE™ Designation.
“I am thrilled to welcome Paula into this critical leadership role, both for Henry Ford Allegiance Health and our entire Central Market,” said Bob Riney, Henry Ford Health System’s President, Healthcare Operations and Chief Operating Officer. “She shares our passion for improving the overall health of the communities she serves and is excited to become a member of the Jackson community. This commitment, along with her proven ability to lead strategic direction and operational improvements, and build lasting relationships with physician and community leaders, makes her a perfect fit for Henry Ford.”
Prior to Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, Autry served as CEO of the Detroit Medical Center’s (DMC) Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit. She was also the market leader for DMC’s Oncology and Women and Infants service lines. Additionally, Autry has held multiple executive leadership roles with institutions, including Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA, Mount Carmel East Hospital in Columbus, OH, and Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital in Richmond, VA.
Henry Ford Allegiance Health Board Chair Tim Levy said, “Earlier this year, we formed a search committee that included members of our Board and local community leaders. These individuals were deeply committed to finding the right person for the role, and they were unanimous in their selection. We are elated to welcome Paula to Jackson and the organization, and we look forward to working with her to advance health care for the communities we serve.”
Originally from Baton Rouge, LA, Autry received her Master’s in Business Administration and a Master’s of Healthcare Administration from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Pre-medicine from the University of Notre Dame. She is also a fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
Autry has served on multiple boards including the ACHE Board of Governors and the American Hospital Association’s Policy Board. She has earned numerous recognitions including Modern Healthcare’s “Top 25 Minority Healthcare Executives” and “Who’s Who of Black Columbus.”