WVU Medicine has announced the appointment of Forest Hannah as Vice President of Finance for WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital, WVU Medicine Summersville Regional Medical Center and WVU Medicine Braxton County Memorial 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.
“Forest brings a strong combination of healthcare finance expertise, public-sector experience, and proven leadership that will be invaluable to our hospitals and the communities we serve,” said Skip Gjolberg, President and CEO of WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital. “As Critical Access Hospitals, it is essential that we maintain sound financial stewardship while continuing to invest in quality care close to home. Forest’s background and approach align well with that mission, and we are excited to welcome him to our Central Region leadership team.”
A native of West Virginia, Hannah was born in Elkins and resided in Elkins and Valley Head until middle school, when his family moved to Ripley. He has fond memories of time spent in Buckhannon during his youth, including visits while his father attended West Virginia Wesleyan College and participating in the community’s Strawberry Festivals – connections that make his return to the region especially meaningful.
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 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.
