Southwell, Inc. and Tift Regional Health System, Inc. (“TRHS”) (collectively “Southwell”) announced that Dr. Tonja C. Tift has joined the Southwell, Inc. Board of Directors. The health system owns and operates Tift Regional Medical Center and Southwell Health Park in Tifton, Southwell Medical and Southwell Health and Rehabilitation in Adel, and more than 35 outpatient diagnostic and treatment facilities, physician clinics, and endoscopy procedure centers located throughout South Georgia.
“Tonja is well-respected within our community, and we are honored that she has accepted this board appointment,” said Jimmy Allen, Board Chairman for Southwell, Inc. “She is a lifelong educator, community leader, and advocate for youth and families in South Georgia. Tonja will provide much-needed insight for our board when it comes to setting policy, creating goals, and ensuring that the health system operates in the best interest of the communities we serve.”
With more than 30 years of experience in education, Dr. Tift has served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, CTI coordinator, and district administrator before retiring from the Tift County School System in 2022.
Following her retirement from education, Dr. Tift continued her commitment to community service through leadership roles with the City of Tifton, including serving as Executive Director of the Tifton Urban Redevelopment Agency and currently as Program Director of the Anthony G. Bateman Youth Center. She also coordinates the Tifton Youth Council and has facilitated numerous initiatives focused on leadership development, financial literacy, community engagement, and youth empowerment.
Dr. Tift is actively involved in civic and professional organizations, including serving as Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Tifton. Her dedication to service has been recognized through numerous community and professional awards, including being named the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce’s Prince Businesswoman of the Year.
“Throughout her career, Dr. Tift has been committed to building partnerships, developing leaders, and creating opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and communities,” said Christopher Dorman, Southwell President/CEO. “Her work reflects a passion for service, education, and empowering others to reach their full potential. She will be a great complement to our board.”
Dr. Tift and her husband, Andre, recently celebrated 40 years of marriage. They are the proud parents of two children, Andralyn and Andre, and grandparents of four grandsons, Adonis, Adrian, Julian, and Alexander.
“It is a privilege to be serving on the Southwell Board of Directors,” said Dr. Tift. “I look forward to working with my fellow board members on providing fiduciary stewardship, balancing strategic oversight, and championing our community’s health needs.”
All Southwell, Inc. and TRHS board members serve in a volunteer capacity. Visit www.MySouthwell.com for more information on Southwell’s services or to find a provider.