TWO AVALA LEADERS NAMED IN HEALTHCARE LEADERS UNDER 40 LIST
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 10, 2025
Media Inquiries: Brooke Russell | 985.801.6212 | info@avala.com
Covington, Louisiana— AVALA is proud to announce that two of its executives, Brooke Russell, Chief Marketing Officer, and Jomel Whittington, President of AVALA Physician Network, have been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review on its 2025 list of “Rising Stars: Healthcare Leaders Under 40.”
This national recognition celebrates leaders who are making an impact on healthcare through innovation, operational excellence, and community engagement. As members of the next generation of healthcare leadership, they are determined to leave a lasting impact on the industry.
Brooke Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at AVALA, has transformed the organization’s brand presence, leading a full rebranding that energized internal culture and strengthened AVALA’s reputation across the Gulf South. She has aligned marketing, communications, and patient experience initiatives with AVALA’s mission, elevating the system from a local provider to a recognized healthcare network. Russell’s collaborative leadership integrates storytelling with data-driven strategies to build loyalty, drive growth, and foster a high-performing workplace.
Jomel Whittington, President of AVALA Physician Network, leads daily operations for 5 practice locations. Under his leadership, AVALA has expanded key services—including orthopedics, hand surgery, and spine surgery—while increasing AVALA Pain’s clinic capacity by 50%. He is spearheading integration of primary care, urgent care, and neurology services and forging partnerships with top specialists to enhance patient access across Louisiana. His innovative approach emphasizes community engagement, patient-centered growth strategies, and operational efficiency.
The Becker’s Hospital Review list recognizes leaders under the age of 40 who are driving progress in healthcare delivery, strategy, and innovation nationwide.
For more information and to view the full list, visit Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 Rising Stars.
About Becker’s Healthcare
Becker’s Healthcare is the go-to source for healthcare decision-makers and one of the fastest-growing media platforms in the industry. Through print, digital and live event platforms, Becker’s Healthcare equips healthcare leaders with information and forums they need to learn, exchange ideas, and further conversations about the most critical issues in American healthcare today.
