Nap Gary's impact on the ASC industry — His legacy from those he influenced

Earlier this month, President and COO of Regent Surgical Health Nap Gary passed away. He was the immediate past president of the board of directors of the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association and the Ambulatory Surgery Foundation.

He previously served as the senior vice president of corporate development at Health South. His civic activities included serving as chairman of the board for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham and forging a partnership with Partners in Health to donate equipment no longer used in surgery centers to facilities in Haiti and other countries.

Several colleagues and friends in the ASC industry shared their thoughts about how Mr. Gary impacted the ASC industry and the legacy he leaves the next generation.

William Prentice, CEO of ASCA: In Nap's many years of involvement with ASCA, he proved that humility and a respect for others are the keys to effective leadership. Nap, who loved the outdoors, lived the camper's credo: Leave where you've been better than you found it. In all areas of his life, he did just that. Whether they know it or not, every ASC has benefited from Nap's commitment to promoting the ASC model. Personally, I will use the example of his too short life to guide my own going forward.

Bill Wilcox, CEO of United Surgical Partners International: He was one of the good ones! Whether working for the industry, or representing his company in business transactions, I always admired his gentle, honest and effective approach to lead to consensus or advance toward our goals. His insightful leadership of our industry made us better.

Larry Taylor, President and CEO of Practice Partners in Healthcare: Nap was incredibly intelligent, thoughtful and kind to everyone he encountered. Nap had an outstanding legal mind but was able to translate the legal aspects to operational goals that everyone could understand and work with. Nap touched hundreds of individuals in the ASC industry from his work at HealthSouth and then later as an industry leader.

From legal he transitioned into the development and operations of ASCs easily as he handled the metrics, financials and physician relations with ease. His work as the ASCA President and officer levels made great contributions to the industry and the organization. He was innovative and thoughtful with all aspects that could effect and grow the industry. His chartable focus gave to others with Partners in Health advancing care in other countries. He loved to run and hike and adventure whenever it presented the opportunity. He has a wonderful family and loved Auburn University. War Eagle!

Marie Edler, MPH, Vice President, Payer Engagement and Advocacy at Surgical Care Affiliates: Nap was a consummate professional who led with intelligence, service and humor. His generous nature allowed for his peers to grow and provide positive impact under his guidance. He believed wholeheartedly and advocated on behalf of the ASC industry's mission of better patient care and outcomes at a better price. Nap will forever be remembered as a friend, leader and steward of the industry.

Kay Tucker, Director of Communications, ASCA: Nap contributed to the ASC community in so many ways over so many years that no single person could ever know how many lives he touched and how much of a difference he made for ASCs everywhere. He worked quietly and steadily, was always there to help and always took time to express his gratitude for even the smallest contribution from others. He tackled every challenge with a sense of calm that inspired those around him and supported others in their success. But most of all, I will miss his wonderful sense of humor.

Terry Bohlke, Vice President Operations for National Surgical Hospitals: Nap was deeply passionate about ASCA and our charity, Partners in Health. Through his career spanning two decades, Nap mentored hundreds of ASC leaders. When we lost Nap, we not only lost a dear friend, we lost one of the most influential leaders in the history of the ASC industry.

Dianne Appleby, Executive Director, Menomonee Falls Ambulatory Surgery Center: I first met Nap when I joined the ASCA Board three years ago. What impressed me the most was his focus on those in need. He was a strong advocate for getting the industry involved in giving to the less fortunate. His leadership will be missed!

Sandy Berreth, ASCA board member: In the ASC community, we use the word "quality" as a defined product of excellence; that was Nap. To explain, as a new member of the ASCA Board, I was nervous and felt out of my depth, Nap, forever the gentleman, made the effort to include me, thus allowing me a comfort level whereas I felt acceptable.

When at a recent low point in my career, he championed the ASC community and assured me that all would be fine. I am saddened that I will not be able to share that accomplishment with him. Although he didn't know me well, he reassured me and treated me as an equal, which I'm not. He is the ASC community's definition of "quality."

Although, I could use many clichés that come it mind...one that I like..."A bright star among the many; burned too quickly out of sight."

Judy Harless, MBA, CASC, Administrator, SMI Surgery Center: Nap was one of those rare individuals who had achieved great things and was incredibly approachable and humble. Nap was quick with a smile, a hug, and something wickedly witty to say. He was a wealth of information and experience and bettered our industry, and those who worked alongside him, by providing an example of integrity, passion, fairness and mentorship that we would all do well to emulate.

David Shapiro, MD, ASCA Board Member [excerpt from Dr. Shapiro's address at the ASCA Annual Meeting]: I wanted to take a moment to share with you a couple of additional thoughts about Nap Gary. I do this on behalf of myself and your Board, as Bill has done on behalf of himself and our staff. I realize that many … might not have had the opportunity to know Nap, so it may be difficult to understand what his passing means for the ASC community.

While I had known Nap professionally for many years, it was not until we merged the two predecessor organizations to create ASCA that I had the privilege of working closely with him. Despite having to overcome the monumental handicap of being an attorney, this was one truly incredible guy. Nap began his tenure as a Board member back in 1999, when we were then known as FASA. He was a dedicated advocate on behalf of our Industry and represented us so well, so often, for so many years. To say that he made enormous contributions to this Association would be a huge understatement.

I will say to you what I would say to him: Nap, it was truly an honor to serve alongside of you as an officer of this Association; and a privilege to call you a friend. On behalf of all of us, thank you for all you did; and know that you will be greatly missed.

Scott Becker, JD, Publisher of Becker's Healthcare: Nap Gary was a complete leader in every aspect of life. He had so many qualities that many of us appreciated so much. Nap was always even tempered, always warm, always principled and never said anything bad about anyone.
He was also a terrific leader and business person. I had the chance to watch him closely take situations and manage and improve them with a perfect pitch and tone. He never made himself the show but constantly made the effort to help others and gain terrific results. He was a leader at Regent, ASCA and HealthSouth.

Like the best of people, he managed people below him on any "org chart" as nicely or nicer than those above him. He is the kind of person that many, many folks called a best friend or colleague. People like Tom Mallon, Bill Horton, Jeff Simmons, Mike Karnes and Bill Prentice. He was really truly loved as a colleague and friend.


I didn't have the pleasure to know Nap's family well but he spoke of them often and enjoyed a wonderful family life. He was truly a remarkable person.


If you would like to send contributing thoughts, contact Laura Dyrda at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com.

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