Savannah Baylon was sworn in to the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) Governing Board on September 22 during the board’s monthly meeting. Attorney Hannah Smith administered the oath of office.
Baylon is the Director of Women and Children’s Services at Harris Regional Hospital, where she oversees labor and delivery, postpartum and nursery operations, a position she has held since 2024. Her work includes managing budgets, implementing policy and supporting quality care for mothers and newborns. Baylon’s career in healthcare began at Harris Regional Hospital as a Registered Nurse in 2017. From 2020-2022 she worked for the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority serving in different capacities including an RN Supervisor at Tsali Care Center and a Care Manager. Her experience in healthcare also includes two years working for Aetna from 2022-2024 as a Utilization Review Nurse, examining medical records to assess the appropriateness, effectiveness, and timing of care.
“Savannah brings invaluable experience in maternal and infant health, along with a strong understanding of health care operations and the people we serve,” said CIHA CEO Casey Cooper. “We are pleased to welcome her to the Governing Board. Her perspective will help guide our work to provide high-quality care for our community.”
The 11-member voting Board provides direction and oversight for Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority and other health programs assigned to CIHA by Tribal Council. Eight members of the board are appointed by the Principal Chief, subject to Tribal Council approval to serve four-year terms. The remaining three serve by virtue of their positions: the CIHA CEO, the Clinical Services Director and the senior public health official for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, or their designees.
Tribal Code calls for members with experience in medicine, dentistry, law, accounting, health services administration and patient community representation. Baylon was appointed to fill the Board se
at designated for a member with extensive experience in health services administration. The Board’s responsibilities include setting policies for health care delivery, overseeing quality improvement and financial resources, and planning for future patient care needs.
Baylon graduated from Lincoln Memorial University in 2016 where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In 2020, she completed a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership from Western Carolina University. Baylon has continued her education since graduating, earning a Culturally Based Native Health Certificate from Western Carolina University in 2025 and becoming a Registered Nurse Certified in Inpatient Obstetrics in 2026.