Grady Cross Society
ABOUT
The Grady Cross Society recognizes supporters who make a significant impact on the health system each year, following in the footsteps of the men and women who have contributed to the health system's success since our doors opened in 1892.
The Grady Cross is one of the most recognized symbols in our community, standing for excellence and access, compassion and innovation. The giving levels of the Grady Cross Society are each named after leaders whose dedication to the health system, our patients, and our community contributed to the strong foundation upon which we stand today.
We are excited to recognize our most generous supporters in this meaningful way.
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John William “Bill” Pinkston served as the executive director of Grady from 1964 to 1989, overseeing vast changes for the hospital that included the integration of the hospital, implementation of Medicare and Medicaid, creation of a burn center, and treatment for AIDS patients.
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Luella Klein is credited with bringing maternal-fetal medicine to Grady and championing equality in healthcare. Nationally recognized by her peers, she directed programs for high-risk obstetrics patients and teen services and helped to shape medical student education.
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Bernice Dixon graduated from the Grady Hospital School of Nursing and worked for the health system for more than 55 years as a student nurse, teacher, and ultimately, director of nursing education, creating a legacy of excellence that Grady continues to build upon today.
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Asa Yancey was the first Black physician on at Grady and established the first accredited general surgery training program for Black surgeons. He published extensively on medical care, health care, and poverty and also served as Medical Director.
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Eugene Steed, Jr., ran Grady during World War II, advancing hands-on training and attracting a remarkable group of physicians. He is internationally recognized as a clinical scientist, educator, and administrator.
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William Randolph Smith performed Georgia's first successful open-heart surgery, setting the stage for numerous firsts and innovations throughout Grady's history.
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Ludie Clay Andrews left a legacy of excellence in nursing, responsible for legions of graduate nurses with lifelong careers in such specialties as career surgical nursing, diabetes, sickle cell, and tuberculosis.
