Russell Medical Foundation

04/23/2026

The Russell Medical family are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Benjamin Russell, known to so many as “Mr. Ben.”

The Russell name represents far more than the sign on our building. It is a legacy of compassion, generosity, and an unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our community. That legacy lives on in the values that guide Russell Medical and in the care provided to every patient who walks through our doors.

Mr. Ben, alongside his beloved wife, Ms. Luanne, leaves an indelible mark on our campus and across the Alexander City and Lake Martin community. Their impact will be felt for generations to come.

We extend our heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathies to the entire Russell family and all who knew and loved him.

03/30/2026

This National Doctor’s Day, let’s take a moment to say thank you to those who care for us when we need it most. 💙

Honor a physician who has made a difference in your life with a gift in their name. Each donation not only supports healthcare in our community, it lets our doctors know just how much they’re appreciated.

Join us in celebrating the hands and hearts behind our care.

02/11/2026

New Year. Same Team. Same Heart. 💙

Meet Jacqui Pearl, Manager of Communications and Donor Outreach at the Russell Medical Foundation.

Jacqui is a nonprofit professional known for building meaningful, lasting relationships and helping donors truly see the impact of their generosity. With more than a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, including both Board service and staff leadership, she has played a key role in strengthening philanthropic communities everywhere she’s served.

Her career began as an Executive Director of a nonprofit in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she led successful efforts in donor cultivation, event planning, and strategic marketing. Today at the Russell Medical Foundation, Jacqui continues to use those skills to connect donors to the mission, ensuring every message reflects the importance of their role in advancing healthcare in our community.

Jacqui lives in Auburn with her fiancé, Jason, and their daughter, Noa. As a family, they love being part of the Russell Medical family and the Alexander City/Lake Martin community.

New year. Same mission. Same heart for people.

02/10/2026

We are incredibly grateful to Russell Lands on Lake Martin and the Adelia Russell Charitable Foundation for their transformative contribution to our community.

Their generosity and vision are making a lasting impact, strengthening healthcare, expanding opportunity, and helping ensure a healthier future for generations to come. This is what it looks like when leadership, legacy, and heart come together. 💙

Thank you for believing in our mission and investing so meaningfully in the people of our region.

02/09/2026

The Russell Medical Foundation is proud to partner with the Auburn University College of Nursing to bring TigerCHAT to Tallapoosa County schools.

TigerCHAT is an academic health partnership that delivers essential health education directly into rural elementary classrooms—meeting students where they are and laying the foundation for lifelong wellness. Through our investment, we’re bringing healthcare into our schools and helping shape a healthier future for our children and our community.

Click the link below to learn more.

https://nursing.auburn.edu/post/russell-medical-center-foundation-partners-with-aucon-to-invest-in-childhood-health-education

02/07/2026

Welcome to Russell Medical, Bob! We can’t wait to get to know you, your family, and continue our work to make Russell Medical a place of healing and comfort for our entire community.

We are pleased to announce that Bob Phillips has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of Russell Medical, effective March 16, 2026.

Bob joins us from Saint Francis Health System in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he served as VP of Clinical Services. He succeeds Jim Peace, who has led our organization with dedication since 2008.

"It is an honor and privilege to join the outstanding team at Russell Medical," Phillips said. "I’m excited to partner with our board, physicians, staff, and community as we continue moving the organization forward."

Please join us in giving Bob a warm welcome to the Russell Medical family!

Read the full press release here: Russellcares.com/CEOAnnouncement.

02/04/2026

New Year. Same Team. Same Heart. 💙

Meet Emily, Manager of Shepherd and Senior Living Services at the Russell Medical Foundation.

Emily joined the Russell Medical family in 2018 as the Foundation–Auxiliary Coordinator, where she oversaw the hospital’s volunteer and chaplain programs, supported the Foundation, and managed The Mill 280 Event Center. In 2022, she transitioned into a full-time role as Foundation Programs Coordinator, helping strengthen relationships with our donors and sharing the many ways Russell Medical serves our community.

As the Foundation has grown, so has Emily’s role. Today, she serves as Manager of Shepherd and Senior Living Services, supporting donors and the residents of Sterling Gate by helping them navigate Russell Medical, connect with providers, and access the wide range of services available to them.

Emily and her husband, Lee, have called Alexander City home since 2007 and are proud to be part of this warm, caring community they love so much.

New year. Same mission. Same commitment to care.

01/28/2026

New Year. Same Team. Same Heart. 💙

Meet Tammy Jackson, Executive Director of the Russell Medical Foundation.

With more than 20 years of experience in fundraising and development, Tammy considers her role as Executive Director the most fulfilling of her career. In 2016, she became the Foundation’s first Executive Director—the first position of its kind since the Foundation was established in 1988.

A proud Alexander City native and New Site High School graduate, Tammy’s passion for people, connection, and community has helped lead more than $9 million raised to enhance services at Russell Medical and strengthen care for our region.

Married to her husband David for 46 years, Tammy is also a devoted mom, mother-in-law, and “Gigi" to four incredible grandchildren, roles she treasures just as deeply as her work with the Foundation.

New year. Same mission. Same leadership.

01/26/2026

New Year. Same Heart. Same Team. 💙

As we step into a new year, we’re excited to re-introduce you to the incredible people who make the mission of the Russell Medical Foundation possible.

Over the coming weeks, you’ll meet the dedicated staff who work behind the scenes to support our patients, caregivers, physicians, and community, sharing a little about who they are and why this work matters so deeply to them.

Because while the calendar may change, our commitment to this community never does.

01/17/2026

Dr. G is both an incredible physician and CMO AND an amazing friend to the Foundation. We are lucky to work beside her every day.

Physician Spotlight: Dr. Michele Goldhagen, Chief Medical Officer and Hospital Medicine Director. She leads our inpatient team 24/7. Trained in emergency medicine with decades of experience, she brings a calm, decisive approach to complex and urgent situations—focused on safe, evidence-based care and clear communication with patients and families.