Thursday, January 25, 2025–10:50 a.m.
-News Release-
AdventHealth Georgia is pleased to announce the appointment of Riley Benter as the new director of heart and vascular services for the Georgia Market, and Julie Smith as the director of neuroscience and orthopedics for the Georgia Market.
Riley Benter has been a dedicated member of AdventHealth Redmond since 2012, serving in various leadership roles including Director of Outpatient Cardiovascular Services, Trauma Program Director, and Emergency Department Manager. Riley is an experienced leader with a strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. He excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Riley has a positive working relationship with physicians and staff, and he is committed to enhancing clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction while improving and maintaining team morale.
Benter and his wife, Krista, have three children: Ellie, Carter, and Mya. They enjoy playing games, camping, hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, and spending time together as a family. His faith is a priority, and he is passionate about AdventHealth’s mission of extending the Healing Ministry of Christ.
Julie Smith joins AdventHealth Georgia from Central Florida, where she served as the AdventHealth Central Florida and AdventHealth East Florida Division System director of spine surgical services and neuro critical care. Julie also served as a neuro critical care nurse manager at AdventHealth Orlando, managing a 124-person team and a 40-bed neuro ICU. With 14 years of experience leading and managing comprehensive neuroscience service lines, Smith has developed and implemented a systemwide education plan to elevate the knowledge base of registered nurses and allied health professionals while meeting regulatory requirements necessary for program certification. She also achieved the first DNV Orthopedic’s Spine Center of Excellence designations in Florida across three hospital programs.
Smith and her husband, Nathan, have five children. In their spare time, they love to fish and are looking forward to discovering the great hiking Georgia has to offer.
“We are excited to work closely with Riley and Julie as we deepen connections between our physicians, outpatient locations, and our hospitals across the market,” said Karen Steely, COO of service line development and AdventHealth Medical Group for AdventHealth Georgia’s market. “These strategies will allow us to develop a true network of care and provide us with more opportunities to Extend the Healing Ministry of Christ and to help our patients, families, and communities feel whole.”
