DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH ANNOUNCES AMY N. CARRUTH AS DIRECTOR OF MISSISSIPPI STATE HOSPITAL

WHITFIELD, MS – Amy N. Carruth of Brandon has been named the next director of Mississippi State Hospital (MSH), succeeding James G. “Bo” Chastain following his retirement after more than 36 years of service to the hospital.

Carruth brings more than 14 years of leadership experience at Mississippi State Hospital, where she has served in several key roles, including Deputy Hospital Administrator and Director of Quality Assurance. Throughout her tenure, she has led policy development, strategic planning and organization-wide quality improvement initiatives, helping strengthen operations and support high-quality patient care across the hospital.

Recognized for her expertise in Joint Commission standards, Carruth has guided Mississippi State Hospital through multiple accreditation surveys while leading continuous improvement efforts across the organization. She has also helped modernize organizational workflows, implement evidence-based quality improvement practices and strengthen accountability through data-informed decision-making.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Carruth played a key leadership role in the hospital’s response by coordinating infection prevention efforts, implementing evolving safety standards, developing operational procedures and supporting the rollout of employee vaccinations. Her leadership helped position the hospital to continue delivering care while adapting to unprecedented challenges.

In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Carruth has served as the Designated Institutional Official for the MSH Psychiatry Residency Program, overseeing graduate medical education and supporting the development of future psychiatrists. She also currently serves as chair of the Joint Commission Resources CSR Program Advisory Committee for a four-state region, sharing her expertise with healthcare organizations beyond Mississippi.

Before joining Mississippi State Hospital in 2012, Carruth served in leadership positions with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, where she gained extensive experience in public administration, organizational leadership and strategic planning.

“At the core of Mississippi State Hospital’s mission is the belief that every person served here deserves compassionate, high-quality care,” Carruth said. “I’m proud to be a part of this agency and our mission, and I look forward to continuing the legacy of providing hope, safety and recovery to Mississippians in need.”

Department of Mental Health Executive Director Wendy Bailey said Carruth’s experience and commitment to continuous improvement make her well prepared to lead the hospital into its next chapter.

“Though we are sad to say goodbye, we are also excited to welcome Amy N. Carruth into this role,” Bailey said. “Her career at Mississippi State Hospital has been defined by efforts at continuous improvement, and she shares her expertise both throughout the hospital and with partners throughout our state and beyond. We look forward to Amy building on the strong foundation and advancements that have been established under [James G. “Bo” Chastain].”

Carruth was recently selected to participate in the Mississippi Hospital Association’s Emerging Leaders Program and is pursuing fellowship status with the American College of Healthcare Executives, reflecting her continued commitment to professional growth and excellence in healthcare leadership.

Under Carruth’s leadership, Mississippi State Hospital will continue its mission of providing compassionate, high-quality behavioral healthcare while building on a strong foundation of excellence, innovation and service to the people of Mississippi.