SAVANNAH —  Optim has hired David Castleberry as the new Optim System CEO. He will have responsibility for the physician-owned Optim Medical Center-Tattnall, Optim Medical Center-Jenkins, Optim Medical Center-Screven, Optim Therapy, Optim Imaging and Optim Surgery Center.

A native of Georgia, Castleberry has been in health-care management and public relations for 20 years with a presence in Georgia and South Carolina. He started his career with Columbia/HCA Lanier Park Hospital as the public-relations manager. From there he spent eight years with Health Management Associates managing multiple hospitals, including serving as the CEO at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro and the CEO at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville, South Carolina. He has been the chief executive officer of Upson Regional Medical Center in Thomaston for seven years.

Castleberry earned a business degree from Georgia State University in Atlanta and a Master of Business Administration from Brenau University in Gainesville. Earlier this year, he was elected as a trustees of the Georgia Hospital Association.

“I am excited to join Optim and impressed at the growth the company has experienced over the years, connecting patients throughout the region with great doctors and clinical services. I look forward to joining this great team and being a part of its continued success,” Castleberry said.