After 15 years leading Grady as its President and CEO, John Haupert announced his retirement at the end of 2026. Effective immediately, Anthony Saul, Grady’s current Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of President and COO, and take the helm as President and CEO on January 1, 2027.

Saul is a seasoned healthcare executive with more than 25 years of experience leading complex health systems. He joined Grady over seven years ago as Chief Financial Officer and was later appointed Chief Operating Officer. His innovative leadership comes at a pivotal time as Grady expands its footprint, navigates evolving reimbursement and policy landscapes, and invests in care models designed to serve a growing and diverse patient population.

“As Grady prepares for the future, Anthony is the right leader at the right time,” said Larry Gellerstedt, chair of the Board of Directors of Grady Memorial Hospital Corporation, which governs Grady Memorial Hospital. “He understands the complexity of our mission, the importance of operational excellence, and the responsibility we have to the communities we serve. Anthony’s experience, values, and vision align squarely with where Grady is headed, and we are confident in his ability to lead the organization through its next phase of growth while preserving the mission that has defined Grady since 1892.”

As part of the transition, Haupert will continue to serve Grady in an advisory role through 2027, providing strategic guidance on the South Fulton medical campus and supporting philanthropic and capital fundraising efforts that will help shape the health system’s future. This transition approach ensures continuity, preserves institutional knowledge, and allows Grady to leverage longstanding relationships as it advances major strategic priorities to meet the community’s needs.