Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumna Ocpivia Stafford, PharmD, has been named president of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare’s Methodist South Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
Stafford had served as interim president for the 156-bed hospital since November 2020.
“With her dedication to operational efficiency and continuous improvement, Ocpivia is a champion for patient engagement,” said MLH President and CEO Michael Ugwueke. “She places the highest priority on providing high quality and safe patient care while fostering a culture of collaboration among patient care teams.”
Stafford joined MLH in 2006, serving as a staff pharmacist before assuming pharmacy leadership roles at Methodist University Hospital and then Methodist Olive Branch Hospital. She later became Methodist South’s pharmacy director and in 2018 advanced to vice president of support and professional services for the hospital.
“We must provide the best care to our communities, so it’s critical to connect and understand its residents,” added Ugwueke. “While serving as interim president, Ocpivia spearheaded numerous initiatives to engage with the broader community that Methodist South serves. As we continue to navigate through the pandemic, it’s more important than ever to provide the community with every opportunity to be well and stay healthy.”
In 2021, Stafford was recognized as one of Memphis Business Journal’s Super Women in Business. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Dillard University, a doctorate in pharmacy from FAMU in 2003, and an executive MBA from the University of Memphis. She is currently a candidate for fellowship in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
