Piedmont Augusta marks significant milestones in innovation, leadership, quality

Augusta, Ga. (April 16, 2026) – Piedmont Augusta closed a strong third quarter of fiscal year 2026 with advances in cardiovascular technology, key leadership appointments, national recognitions and continued community impact.

On Jan. 7, Piedmont Heart conducted a grand opening of its newest location at 411 W. Fourth Street, Waynesboro, Ga. The new Piedmont Heart Institute of Waynesboro represents a significant milestone in Piedmont’s long-standing commitment to serve Burke County. For decades, many local residents have had to travel to Augusta for specialized cardiovascular care. This new practice brings world-class heart services closer to home, reducing travel time for patients and ensuring that lifesaving care is available where families live, work, and raise their children.

Nikki McLain was named chief financial officer for Piedmont Augusta’s clinical hub, effective Jan. 11. McLain served as interim CFO since August 2025, following the retirement of former CFO Dave Belkoski. McLain previously served as executive director of finance for Piedmont Augusta and Piedmont McDuffie, where she played a key role in financial planning, performance improvement initiatives and strategic decision making across the region. A certified public accountant, she holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration in accounting.

Piedmont Augusta Chief Nursing Officer Janeé Dock was named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s Hospital and Health System CNOs to Know list for 2025. The list honors chief nursing officers who are shaping the future of patient care, advancing health care and supporting nurses every day.

In February, Nic Wood, executive director and hospital administrator for Piedmont McDuffie and Piedmont Augusta Summerville, was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 40 Under 40 for 2026. Nic’s leadership has been instrumental in driving operational excellence, expanding access to care and strengthening the health care workforce across the region. This program recognizes the health care industry's rising stars, aged 40 and under, who contribute to a culture of innovation and help their organizations achieve and exceed financial, operational and clinical goals.

Lily Henson, MD, CEO of Piedmont’s Augusta Hub, was installed as the Chair of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce Board for 2026 at the organization’s annual meeting.

Piedmont Augusta achieved a significant milestone with the successful completion of its 100th peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) procedure, performed by Steven Hanling, MD, and his team. This accomplishment underscores the strength of our entire Piedmont team and reflects our commitment to advancing innovative, minimally invasive pain management options for the patients we serve.

On Feb. 11, Piedmont Augusta celebrated a successful 211 Resource Day, bringing together community partners through United Way’s 211 program and the Piedmont Empowering You platform. The event connected employees, patients, and visitors with essential resources that address key social drivers of health, strengthening overall community well‑being across the Augusta area.

In March, Piedmont Augusta successfully launched the Faraview Mapping System, a next-generation cardiac mapping technology that enhances treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation. The system went live March 17 and demonstrated strong performance during its first clinical cases when paired with the Boston Scientific Farapulse ablation catheter. The new platform expands the hospital’s electrophysiology capabilities, improves efficiency in AFib procedures and supports Piedmont Augusta’s continued investment in advanced cardiovascular care for the community.

Piedmont Augusta hosted a record 187 health care professionals at the 2026 Cardiovascular Symposium, bringing together experts from across the region to advance care for heart patients. This year’s program focused on evidence‑based treatment, improved diagnostic approaches, advances in cardiac and vascular imaging and emerging therapies, all led by Piedmont Augusta Heart and Vascular physicians. We’re proud to support ongoing education that helps our teams provide the highest-quality cardiovascular care to our community.

On March 23, Piedmont Augusta and Piedmont Summerville successfully concluded their 2026 DNV survey. The surveyors praised the Augusta team members’ passion, professionalism and commitment to safety and quality. Receiving such strong feedback is a testament to Augusta’s hard work and continuous improvement.