Kirk Jenkins Appointed as President and CEO of Lexington Health

Lexington, SC, August 30, 2025

News Summary

Lexington Health has announced Kirk Jenkins as its new president and CEO, succeeding Tod Augsburger, who will retire in 2026. Jenkins, a veteran of over a decade with Lexington Health, aims to continue the organization’s commitment to quality care after its recent rebranding. As he steps into this crucial leadership role, stakeholders are optimistic about the future of the healthcare provider as it adapts to changing community needs.

Lexington, SC – Kirk Jenkins Appointed as New President and CEO of Lexington Health

Lexington Health has officially announced the appointment of Kirk Jenkins as its new president and CEO, succeeding Tod Augsburger, who is set to retire on January 1, 2026. This significant leadership transition comes just following the organization’s recent rebranding from its long-held name, Lexington Medical Center, which served the community for over 50 years.

Augsburger has been a key figure in the organization since he began his tenure in 2006, taking on the CEO role in 2015. Under his leadership, Lexington Health navigated various challenges, including the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Jenkins now prepares to lead this established healthcare institution, which transformed from a small county hospital into a major healthcare provider.

Founded in 1971 with only 125 beds and 250 employees, Lexington Health has evolved into a comprehensive medical facility. Currently, it employs over 9,000 healthcare professionals and operates a substantial 607-bed teaching hospital, establishing itself as a pillar of health services in the Midlands region.

Kirk Jenkins: A Proven Leader

A native of West Columbia, Jenkins has been with Lexington Health for over a decade. He joined the organization in 2013 and quickly demonstrated his leadership capabilities. In 2015, Jenkins was appointed to head the physician network, where he oversaw substantial growth, increasing the number of employed physicians and advanced practice providers from 387 to 718.

Throughout his tenure, Jenkins has been instrumental in developing several market-leading clinical service lines in key areas such as heart and vascular care, orthopedics, oncology, urology, and general surgery. His leadership has been characterized by a strong commitment to high-quality care and community engagement, vital for an independent health system like Lexington Health.

Jenkins holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The Citadel and a master’s degree in business administration from Clemson University. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and served as a healthcare administrator in the U.S. Air Force from 2004 to 2013.

Looking Ahead

As Jenkins steps into his new role as the fifth CEO in Lexington Health’s 54-year history, he has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the organization. He aims to maintain the legacy of quality care set forth by his predecessor while enhancing community-focused initiatives. The recent rebranding marks a new chapter for Lexington Health, and under Jenkins’ leadership, it aims to continue meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the community.

Summary of Leadership Transition

Background on Lexington Health

The history of Lexington Health illustrates a remarkable journey from a small community hospital to a large, multifaceted healthcare provider. Its commitment to innovation and patient care has defined its mission over the decades. The organization serves as a model of how healthcare can evolve while remaining focused on the community’s needs.

As the transition unfolds, Lexington Health’s stakeholders are optimistic about the future of the organization under Jenkins’ guidance, especially as it continues to adapt to the changing landscape of healthcare services.

FAQ

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Lexington County Welcomes ElectroWire’s New Facility
Cayce Mayor Pro-Tem Tim James Announces Decision Not to Seek Reelection
Cooperative Health to Close Five Clinics in Midlands
South Carolina Chamber Calls for Action on Lutnick’s Comments
South Carolina Chamber Urges Trump’s Action on Commerce Secretary
Mix-Up at Monash IVF Raises Trust Issues in Fertility Sector
Cutbacks in AmeriCorps Funding Disrupt Community Services
South Carolina Plans New Dedicated Cancer Hospital in Charleston
South Carolina Reveals Ambitious Manufacturing Strategy
Local Veteran Shares Tips for Managing PTSD

Additional Resources

• Cola Daily
• Wikipedia: Kirk Jenkins
• The State
• Google Search: Lexington Health
• LEX 18
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare Leadership
• The State (Business)
• Google News: Lexington Health CEO

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.