AVALA CEO J. WILLIAM “BILL” HANKINS NAMED IN 207 COMMUNITY HOSPITAL CEOS TO KNOW LIST BY BECKER’S HEALTHCARE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 23, 2025
Media Inquiries: Brooke Russell | 985.801.6212 | info@avala.com

Covington, Louisiana— In a year when healthcare continues to be tested by shifting policies, rising costs, and workforce instability, one thing is clear: leadership still matters. That’s why the recent recognition of AVALA CEO J. William “Bill” Hankins on Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 Community Hospital CEOs to Know list raises important questions—not just about accolades, but about what kind of leadership is truly shaping the future of community healthcare.

Hankins, who has helmed AVALA with a deliberate, data-driven approach for over four decades, was one of just 207 leaders nationwide selected for this year’s list. While such recognitions can often seem ceremonial, Becker’s selection process focuses on CEOs who are actively driving innovation, patient-centered care, and sustainable growth at the local level.

Under Hankins’ leadership, AVALA has expanded its surgical, orthopedic, imaging, and therapy services while maintaining a community-first mindset. His philosophy isn’t about chasing prestige—it’s about precision, outcomes, and delivering care that actually matters to real people. He also serves on AVALA’s Board of Directors and Medical Executive Committee, reinforcing his hand in shaping long-term strategy.

Still, the question remains: what makes a healthcare leader truly “one to know”? According to Becker’s, it’s the ability to implement new care delivery models, embrace technology without losing the human element, and engage deeply with the communities they serve. Hankins checks those boxes—but perhaps what sets him apart is his commitment to doing so without compromising ethical standards or patient trust.

Becker’s full list, which includes hospital CEOs from across the U.S., is available here.