Thornton Kirby, FACHE

Thornton Kirby is President & CEO of the South Carolina Hospital Association.

Before joining SCHA, Thornton practiced law as a healthcare attorney and worked as a hospital executive. He also served as Executive Secretary to the Board of Trustees for Clemson University. This unique combination of experiences has combined to make him a well-respected thought leader on state and federal healthcare policy issues.

Thornton also has extensive experience with governing boards. He has served on more than 50 boards, leading ten of them as chairman. His board service includes nine years of service on the board of Joint Commission International, including two years as Chair.

Thornton studied Government at the University of Virginia, and he earned his law degree at the University of South Carolina.

He is a frequent speaker on healthcare issues, and he was recently selected by Columbia Business Monthly as one of South Carolina’s 50 Most Influential People.

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