North Mississippi Health Services has named T.J. Adams as president of North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo, an expansion of his current role as the hospital’s administrator, effective Aug. 24.

In his new role, Adams will oversee Tupelo-based services and programs, hospital-based clinics and services, medical staff relations, board accountability and overall organizational performance for NMMC-Tupelo. He is stepping into the role currently held by David Wilson, who is retiring Sept. 30. 

Wilson also serves as the system’s chief operating officer (COO). Shawn Morrow was recently named to succeed him in that role.

Shane Spees, NMHS president and CEO, said separating the leadership positions of NMMC-Tupelo President from the system COO role reflects the dynamic nature of healthcare today and the system’s focus on executing A. G.R.E.A.T strategy. Adams will provide leadership support to teammates, medical staff members and services across the NMMC-Tupelo campus.  The structure will allow Morrow to onboard as systemwide chief operating officer and support our mission to continuously improve the health of people across our region.

“T.J. Adams is a proven health care leader with deep knowledge of North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo, our people and the communities we serve,” Spees said. “His clinical background, operational experience and long-standing commitment to quality, service and teamwork make him an ideal leader for our flagship hospital. As president, T.J. will help ensure NMMC-Tupelo continues to thrive as a regional referral center and the hub for healthcare activity and development for our region.”

Adams joined the NMMC staff in May 2004 as an operating room nurse and later served as a charge nurse and nurse manager. He was director of Supply Chain Support from 2010-2014 and was promoted to vice president of Cardiovascular and Surgical Services in 2014. He was named administrator of NMMC-Tupelo in October 2021.

Adams graduated from Mantachie High School in 2000. He earned his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women in 2004 and his master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2011.

Adams is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and Mississippi Nurses Association. He has served in leadership roles with the Mississippi Board of Nursing and on community and health care-related boards and committees.

“I am honored to continue serving North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo in this expanded role,” Adams said. “Having begun my career here as a clinician, I am proud of what our staff and providers accomplish every day and look forward to continuing to strengthen care for the patients and communities we serve.”

Adams resides in Tremont with his wife, Becky, and son, Turner.