08/10/2026
D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the promotion of Brewton native Heather Shipp, RN, to Manager of the Women's and Infants Department.
Shipp officially assumed the leadership role in May, bringing with her two decades of experience dedicated exclusively to labor and delivery. Her promotion marks a full-circle moment, as she began her nursing career 20 years ago as a newly graduated nurse in the Women's and Infants Department at D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital.
A graduate of W.S. Neal High School and Coastal Alabama Community College in Brewton, Shipp has spent her entire nursing career caring for mothers, babies, and growing families.
"My favorite part of my job is taking care of people and building relationships with our patients," said Shipp. "Many of the families we care for become like part of our own family. It's incredibly rewarding to walk alongside them during one of the most important moments of their lives." Shipp says one of the strengths of D.W. McMillan's Women's and Infants Department is its culture of teamwork and learning.
"Our labor and delivery unit has always been a team-focused learning environment where everyone supports one another," she said. "I'm excited to continue building on that foundation while introducing new ideas and best practices that I've seen in larger facilities. I look forward to helping our department continue to grow and provide the highest quality care for the families we serve."
When she isn't caring for patients, Shipp enjoys spending time with her family, thrifting, antiquing, and refinishing furniture.
Hospital leadership also expressed appreciation for the outstanding service of Jessica Sutton, RN, who managed the Women's and Infants Department for the past three and a half years. "We are incredibly grateful to Jessica for her exceptional leadership and dedication to our Women's and Infants Department," DON Leanne Rowell said. "She has made a lasting impact on our team and the patients we serve. We are thankful that Jessica continues to be a valued member of our organization and we appreciate everything she has contributed during her time as manager."
The hospital is excited to welcome Shipp into her new leadership role and looks forward to the continued growth and innovation she will bring to the Women's and Infants Department. "We are proud to have someone with Heather's experience, compassion, and commitment leading our Women's and Infants team," Rowell added. "Her passion for patient care and her vision for the future make her an outstanding choice, and we are excited to see the positive impact she will have on the department for years to come."