Board of Managers

Bradley S. Talbert, FACHE, is the chief executive officer of Memorial Health, where he provides strategic oversight and operational leadership for one of the Southeast’s most significant healthcare systems. He joined Memorial Health in March 2023 and brought decades of executive experience to this pivotal role. Memorial Health University Medical Center, the system’s flagship 711-bed hospital in Savannah, Georgia, serves as a regional hub for advanced healthcare, encompassing $1.1 billion in net revenue and employing over 4,200 professionals.

Under Brad’s stewardship, Memorial Health excels in delivering high-quality care across 35 counties in southeast Georgia and southern South Carolina. The hospital boasts advanced clinical programs, including the region’s only Level I trauma center, a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, and a comprehensive stroke center. The Curtis and Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute and the Memorial Health Dwaine and Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah further underscore the system’s diverse service offerings. Memorial Health also partners with Mercer University School of Medicine’s Savannah Campus and supports six residencies and three fellowships through its growing graduate medical education program.

Brad’s leadership is guided by Memorial Health’s six pillars of excellence: People, Service, Quality, Finance, Growth, and Community. Noteworthy accomplishments during his tenure include achieving Level I trauma verification from the American College of Surgeons in 2023, earning consecutive “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, and receiving Healthgrades’ 2024 Patient Safety Excellence Award™. He has also implemented innovative strategies to improve physician engagement, enhance board involvement, and streamline operations, such as transitioning a $28 million anesthesia program to in-house management, leading to improved quality and a 72% reduction in locum dependency.

Career Accomplishments
Brad’s illustrious career spans roles at prestigious institutions, including:

• HCA Florida-Memorial Hospital: Established a Level II trauma center, led a $23 million emergency department expansion, and achieved Advanced Certification for Joint Replacement from The Joint Commission.
• Piedmont Medical Center: Expanded neurosurgery and orthopedics programs while earning disease-specific certifications for heart failure and stroke care.
• Coastal Carolina Hospital: Recruited over 50 specialists and earned recognition for quality measures in pneumonia and stroke care.

Brad’s ability to transform operations is evidenced by  successes like leading HCA Florida-Memorial Hospital to its first “A” Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade in five years and guiding Memorial Health to its highest inpatient transfer volume in HCA Healthcare’s network, averaging 1,000 transfers monthly.

Awards and Recognitions
Throughout his career, Brad has been celebrated with numerous accolades, including:

• Florida Trend magazine: Named to the Florida 500 List of Most Influential Executives (2021, 2022) and People to Know in Jacksonville (2022).
• Jacksonville Business Journal: Honored among First Coast’s Ultimate CEOs (2019).
• South Carolina Department of Commerce: Named South Carolina Economic Ambassador (2015).
• Charlotte Business Journal: Included in Top 40 Under 40 (2017).

Education and Certifications
Brad holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Arts in finance from Wofford College. As a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), he demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and thought leadership in healthcare management.

Community Involvement
A dedicated leader beyond the healthcare sector, Brad serves on the board of trustees for the Georgia Hospital Association and the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, as well as serving on South University’s board of managers. Previously, he chaired the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce board and served on boards for the Jacksonville Port Authority and the American Heart Association. He is also an active member of the Rotary Club of Savannah.

Leadership Philosophy
Brad’s leadership philosophy centers on empowering his team to succeed through trust, guidance, and strategic direction. By fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, he ensures his teams achieve excellence in patient care and operational performance.

With a clear vision to make Memorial Health the preferred healthcare provider and employer in southeast Georgia, Brad continues to set new benchmarks in the healthcare industry while inspiring those around him to achieve greatness.

Dr. Brock Howard Haas, MBA, PhD, is a visionary leader with over 15 years of experience in higher education administration and business operations. He currently serves as vice chair of the board of managers for South University, a position he has held since June 2024. In this role, he supports the board’s leadership, prepares for future responsibilities as chair, and helps guide the university’s strategic initiatives.

In addition to his governance role, Dr. Haas is the director of Eagle Ridge Conference Center & Resort at Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi. Since 2021, he has overseen a transformative turnaround at the facility, increasing revenue by 150% year-over-year and establishing it as a premier destination for business and community events. His dual role as a business instructor allows him to remain closely connected to the academic experience, fostering entrepreneurship and staying connected with his most important clients, students.

Career Achievements
Dr. Haas has held several prominent leadership roles across higher education and business, where he has consistently demonstrated the ability to manage startups, turnarounds, and high-performing teams. Key accomplishments include:

• Creating a hybrid MBA program: At South University, he pioneered a 12-month hybrid MBA program spanning multiple locations. His work included managing admissions, financial aid, course scheduling, faculty assignments, and accreditation processes, ensuring both quality and accessibility.
• Record-setting enrollment: As dean of Secondary Education at Hinds Community College, he increased dual-credit and career/technical course enrollment to record levels.
• Innovative community programs: He launched a Coding Academy and Fab Lab in Vicksburg/Warren County to promote workforce development and technical skills in the community.
• Operational excellence: Revived the underperforming Eagle Ridge Conference Center through strategic business planning and marketing efforts.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Haas served as academic dean at Virginia College, campus director at ITT Technical Institute, and director of Accelerated Graduate Programs for the Master of Business Administration at South University. Additionally, he leveraged his financial acumen as a credit analyst and loan officer for Darby Bank & Trust. His work has consistently focused on operational efficiency, innovative programming, and stakeholder engagement.

Educational and Professional Background
Dr. Haas earned his doctorate in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University, his MBA from the University of Phoenix, and his bachelor’s in business administration from The Citadel, where he graduated with honors in his major. He is also PROSCI Change Management certified, underscoring his commitment to implementing successful organizational changes.

Leadership Philosophy
A servant leader at heart, Dr. Haas believes in leading by example and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. His philosophy, inspired by his upbringing and mentors such as Dr. Steve Yoho and Judy Shanahan, emphasizes integrity, discipline, and respect for all stakeholders.

Community Engagement
Dr. Haas is deeply invested in his community, serving in various capacities, including senior warden at the Chapel of the Cross in Madison, Mississippi. He also serves on the advisory committee for Clinton High School’s Culinary and Work-Based Learning programs and has contributed to organizations like the William Jay Society, the Telfair Museum, and the Savannah Citadel Club.

Personal Life
Dr. Haas resides in Madison, Mississippi, with his wife Rebecca and their twin daughters, Sadie and Shea. He values family, education, and service, striving to make a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.

Through his strategic vision, operational expertise, and commitment to student success, Dr. Brock Howard Haas continues to shape the future of higher education and community development.

Steven N. Gordon is a distinguished attorney, entrepreneur, and advocate with a career spanning over three decades in law, business, and philanthropy. As principal of The Law Offices of Steven Gordon, he manages a global practice that addresses complex civil and criminal litigation, high-stakes negotiations, and diverse corporate and individual legal matters.

In addition to his legal practice, Steven has demonstrated a remarkable ability to innovate and lead in the business sector. As a co-founder of Kadmon Holdings, Inc., he helped guide the biotechnology company from inception to its listing on the NYSE and eventual sale in 2020 for approximately $2 billion. At Kadmon, Steven served as executive vice president, general counsel, chief administrative and compliance officer, and secretary to the board. His contributions included overseeing $1 billion in capital-raising, navigating complex regulatory challenges, and establishing best-practice governance and compliance frameworks.

Steven’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to his role as a co-founder of Silhouette Capital, an investment fund leveraging litigation experience and social science methods to predict litigation outcomes for tactical investment strategies. This innovative approach to investing reflects his strategic thinking and deep understanding of legal and financial systems.

Legal and Educational Credentials
Steven earned his Juris Doctor from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts in economics and business administration from Bar-Ilan University in Israel. He is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, New York and New Jersey state courts, the District of Columbia courts, and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern districts of New York.

Earlier in his career, Steven honed his legal expertise as an assistant district attorney for Bronx County, where he served under the Honorable Robert T. Johnson. He later practiced at prominent New York law firms, where he built a reputation for effective advocacy and legal acumen.

Community Engagement and Personal Mission
Steven is deeply committed to philanthropy and personal development. A supporter of transcendental meditation and The Monroe Institute, he champions efforts to foster a global awakening of human consciousness. He also serves on the board of directors for Operation Warrior Shield, an organization dedicated to supporting the health and wellness of service members, veterans, first responders, and their families.

Personal Life
Steven resides in New York City with his wife, Elaine. They enjoy a rich family life with their twin daughters, who are in college, and their high school–aged son.

Steven continues to make a profound impact in law, business, and community service through his exceptional leadership, legal expertise, and passion for innovation.

Dr. Steven K. Yoho is the chancellor and CEO of South University, where he has served since 2018. With a distinguished career in higher education leadership, Dr. Yoho has been instrumental in guiding the university’s strategic direction, overseeing all operations, and advancing its mission of academic excellence and student success. Under his leadership, South University has not only grown in student enrollment but has also become a model for innovation, student-centered learning, and institutional resilience.

Professional Journey
As chancellor and CEO of South University, Dr. Yoho reports directly to the board of trustees and is responsible for the institution’s educational, administrative, and fiscal programs. His key responsibilities include developing and executing the university’s strategic plan; ensuring a shared vision among faculty, staff, and students; and fostering a culture grounded in South University’s core values.

Since his appointment, Dr. Yoho has successfully led South University through significant transitions, most notably the institution’s change of ownership in June 2023, which established South University as a standalone, independent private institution. His leadership has consistently resulted in strong financial performance, with the university achieving an estimated operating income of $35 million in 2024, up from an average of $20 million annually in prior years.

Dr. Yoho’s expertise extends across various areas, including institutional accreditation, program growth, and organization development. His tenure has seen the reaffirmation of South University’s 10-year institutional accreditation and the expansion of numerous academic programs.

Key Achievements

• Successfully led South University through a change of ownership, transitioning to an independent private institution in 2023.
• Increased operating income from an annual average of $20 million to a forecasted $35 million in 2024.
• Managed a $235 million annual budget and developed business partnerships and academic affiliations that enhanced the university’s growth.
• Led the university to achieve high accreditation standards across various programs.
• Spearheaded the development of Elevate Together: Envisioning South University 2030, a 5-year strategic plan aimed at driving the university’s long-term growth and sustainability.

Educational Background
Dr. Yoho holds a PhD in organizational communication from Ohio University, an MS in management from West Virginia University, and a BS in communication/public relations from Oklahoma Christian University. His deep academic background, combined with his extensive experience in higher education leadership, has enabled him to navigate the complex challenges facing 21st-century institutions while ensuring a commitment to academic excellence.

Leadership Philosophy and Vision
Dr. Yoho’s leadership philosophy is grounded in integrity and a commitment to doing what is right. He believes in fostering a culture of transparency, collaboration, and shared responsibility. His vision for South University is one of continued growth and innovation, as outlined in the Elevate Together: Envisioning South University 2030 plan. This strategic vision includes expanding academic programs, enhancing student retention, and increasing international enrollment, all while staying true to the university’s core values. Dr. Yoho’s professional focus includes leadership development and exploring ways to make higher education more inclusive and impactful for all students.

Personal Insights
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Dr. Yoho is deeply committed to community service and philanthropy. He has served as a board member for several organizations and is an advocate for student success and higher education accessibility.

For more information about Dr. Steven Yoho and his work at South University, please visitLinkedIn.