Dr. John Burd, retiring President of Brenau University was honored with a Community Service Award. He was recognized as business person, public relations expert, musician, successful and accessible CEO, team player, educator, creative artist, intellect, persistent visionary, community leader, fun and funny person, thoughtful and caring listener, loyal friend, gentle and respectful person, loving parent and grandparent!
Dr. Burd has given 20 years of extraordinary service to Brenau University and to Gainesville-Hall County and grown the institution¹s endowment from $2.5 million to over $50 million.
John A. Ferguson, former President and CEO of the Northeast Georgia Medical Center and Health System, began his career at the medical center in 1964 at the age of 23. By age 28, he was promoted to hospital CEO, making him the youngest hospital administrator in Georgia. Today, the health system has more than 4,000 employees and is a major provider of healthcare services for more than 15 counties in Northeast Georgia.
Ferguson was named 2003 CEO of the Year by the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. He retired in April 2004 after 40 years of service to the medical center and the community.