12/21/2025
WVU Medicine Announces Forest Hannah as Vice President of Finance for Central Region Critical Access Hospital
WVU Medicine is pleased to announce the appointment of Forest Hannah as Vice President of Finance for WVU Medicine Braxton County Memorial Hospital, WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital and WVU Medicine Summersville Regional Medical Center Hospital - the three Critical Access Hospitals within WVU Medicine’s Central Region
Hannah brings more than two decades of financial leadership experience across healthcare, government, and private-sector organizations. In his new role, he will oversee financial strategy, budgeting, reporting, and operational finance functions for all three hospitals, supporting long-term sustainability while ensuring continued access to high-quality care for the rural communities they serve.
Most recently, Hannah has served as Director of Internal Operations for the West Virginia Department of Education, where he provides fiscal oversight for the WV Board of Education, the Department of Education, and 40 institutional education facilities statewide. His responsibilities include executive budget development, federal and state reporting, cash and grants management, procurement, audit coordination, and fixed asset oversight.
Prior to that role, Hannah held senior financial leadership positions within healthcare systems, including Executive Director of Finance at Boone Memorial Hospital and Accounts Payable leadership at Vandalia Health, where he managed and mentored a systemwide finance team. Earlier in his career, he served as Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations for Northwestern Mutual’s Charleston network office, overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, payroll, contract negotiations, and operational leadership across West Virginia.
"Ensuring the long-term health of our communities starts with strong fiscal leadership. Forest’s impressive background in both healthcare and public-sector finance provides the exact perspective we need to navigate the complexities of rural medicine," Leslie Lawson, President of WVU Medicine Summersville Regional Medical Center and Braxton County Memorial Hospital, said.
Hannah holds a Master of Science in Accounting from Southern New Hampshire University, a Master of Science in Healthcare & Business Administration from Marshall University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from West Virginia University.
“I am honored to join WVU Medicine and be part of an organization that plays such a vital role in the health of our state,” Hannah said. “I look forward to working alongside this talented team to support the mission and continue building a strong, sustainable future. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve Braxton County Memorial Hospital, Summersville Regional Medical Center, and St. Joseph’s Hospital - facilities that are vital to the families and communities who depend on them every day.”
Hannah resides in Charleston, West Virginia, with his wife of 15 years, Christina. They have two children, Charlie and Elayna. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, church, trout fishing, turkey hunting, and caring for their two dogs, Babe Ruth and Bella.
