There are many ways you can help us meet the needs of our patients and community
Mercy Health Center
767 Oglethorpe Ave.
Suite B
Athens GA 30606
Enter your email address below to receive our e-newsletter.
Staff Profiles
Governing Board
Paul Chambers
Board Chairman
Paul Chambers is the Northeast Georgia District Manager for AT&T. A native of Athens, and graduate of the University of Georgia, he and his wife Suzanne live in Watkinsville Georgia and have four children. They are members of Watkinsville First Baptist Church. Read more
James O. Litchford
Vice Board Chairman
Jim Litchford holds a BA in English from Lenoir Rhyne University, an AD in Radiologic Technology, and a Certificate in Health Services Administrative Development from the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Jim has been in the healthcare field for over 40 years, with 25 years of service in senior a... Read more
Joe Bucha
Secretary
Joe holds a B.A. from Indiana University and a M.A. degree in Professional Counseling from Richmont Graduate University in Atlanta, GA. He is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor working in private practice. Along with his private counseling practice he also works with Campus Crusade for ... Read more
Brian P. Hall
Treasurer
Brian P. Hall is a general dentist, who received his D. M. D. degree from the Medical College of Georgia in 1993. He has a private practice in Athens. He is married to Jill and has six children. He is a member of Athens Church, Athens Rotary, and the American Dental Association, the Georgia Den... Read more
Brooks Arnold
Board Member
F. Brooks Arnold, First Vice President- Investments ARH Group Merrill Lynch{32 years}. Member St. James United Methodist Church. Married with three daughters and a grandson. Read more
Charlie Barron
Board Member
Charlie Barron, Jr. is a native Athenian and the owner of Barron’s Rental Center. He graduated with a BBA from the University of GA’s Terry College of Business. He and his wife Leslie have two daughters and are members of the Athens First United Methodist Church. Read more
Temple Bennett
Board Member
Temple Bennett is the coordinator of college recruitment at Athens Technical College and has worked there full time since 2006. She holds a B.B.A. and a Master of Business Education degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Temple Bennett is a member of Timothy... Read more
John Blankenship
Board Member
John Blankenship is an established board certified urologist who has been in practice in Athens Ga since 2001. He graduated from the University of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia with honors, and he completed his residency at the University of Tennessee. He currently oversees His pract... Read more
Christine Jenkins
Board Member
Christine graduated from UGA and worked for GA Power as a Home Economist. While raising her children, she worked as a beautician out of her home for 25 years. She is a member of Beech Haven Baptist Church where she has taught for many years. She is married to Al Jenkins and has three wonderful... Read more
Chris Jennings
Board Member
Chris Jennings graduated from the University of Georgia with a BBA in accounting. Jennings has been a partner in the accounting firm of Little & Jennings, P.C. since July 1983 and specializes in various areas of tax along with small business consulting. He is a member of both the American Instit... Read more
Tina Kukanza
Board Member
Tina is an attorney who concentrates in estate law, estate planning, and income tax planning for individuals and closely-held businesses. Also a certified public accountant, she has several years of corporate and individual tax experience with KPMG Peat Marwick (Houston, TX), Coopers & Lybrand (C... Read more
David Linder
Board Member
David Linder is a partner with the firm, Fortson Bentley and Griffin in Athens, Georgia, representing individuals and businesses in commercial transactions and corporate matters. Linder received a B.S, M.S., and J.D. from the University of Georgia. He has served on the boards of The Georgia Child... Read more
Katherine Moore
Board Member
Katherine is an R.N. employed at The Moore Center in Athens, GA. She hold a B.S.N. from Emory University and is also a graduate of Agnes Scott College. Katherine is a member of Midway United Methodist Church in Auburn GA and is married to David Moore. They have two children and live in Watkinsvil... Read more
Alison Norris
Board Member
Alison Norris is a stay at home mother of 3. She is a member of Redeemer Presbyterian Church and is married to Blaine Norris, Attorney. Read more
A. Middleton Ramsey
Board Member
Mid Ramsey is the EVP-Senior Lending Officer of Athens First Bank & Trust and has served in the banking industry for over 36 years. He earned his BBA Degree from the University of Georgia and serves on the boards of the Georgia Student Finance Commission and the Athens YMCA. Read more
Stanley Satterfield
Board Member
Dr. Stanley D. Satterfield, Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgeon, has been in private practice in Athens, Georgia since July, 1981. Dr. Satterfield received his undergraduate education at the University of Georgia (1971-1974) and his D.M.D. degree from the Medical College of Georgia (1974-1977). He co... Read more
Karen Schuller
Board Member
Karen Duke Schuller currently serve as Vice President & General Counsel of St. Mary’s Health Care System. She and her husband, Fred, moved to the Athens area 4 years ago and are active members of Watkinsville First Baptist Church. Read more
Jessica Webber
Board Member
Jessica Webber is certified kitchen designer in her local family business, The Cabinet Man and enjoys working alongside her dad, Dan, at Webber Development and Construction. Jessica is a native Athenian and enjoys giving back to her community through Prince Avenue Baptist Church, Athens Area Canc... Read more
Advisory Board
C. Pat Allen
Director of Community Relations, Office of Government Relations, The University of Georgia
Pat Allen serves as Director of Community Relations for The University of Georgia. During his 25-year residency in Athens he has served on numerous boards of directors and community initiatives, many of which he chaired. He is an active member of Athens First United Methodist Church. Read more
Steve Jones
Superior Court Judge Western Judicial Circuit
Honorable Steve C. Jones is a Superior Court Judge for the Western Judicial Circuit (Clarke and Oconee Counties). He earned his B.B.A. from the University of Georgia in 1978 and his J.D. in 1987 from The University of Georgia School of Law. He has served on numerous non-profit Boards and has rece... Read more
Staff Members
Tracy Thompson
Executive Director
Tracy is originally from Huntington, WV. She has been married to her husband, Chris for 29 years and they have 2 adult children. She has served as the Executive Director of Mercy Health Center for 4 years. She previously served as the Director of Athens Pregnancy Center for over 10 years. She a... Read more
Paul Buczynsky
Medical Director
Paul Buczynsky is an Emergency Physician by training and graduated from the Emory University School of Medicine. He was a founding member of Mercy and currently serves as Medical Director. He is married to an amazing wife (Dara) and has three incredible children. He and his family are involved... Read more
Christel Lavelle
Physician’s Assistant
Christel graduated from the University of South Carolina Spartanburg, where she received a BS in Experimental Psychology. She completed the Physician Assistant Program at the Medical University of South Carolina, graduating in 2002. She previously worked for Athena Urology for 6 years. Read more
Mary Baxter
Administrative Assistant
Mary is originally from Gainesville, GA. She graduated from North Georgia College and State University with a B.A. in Spanish in 2006 and then worked in the field of social work. She recently graduated from UGA with a master’s in Education (TESOL) in 2009. She has been working with Mercy Health C... Read more
Karina Drake
Office Assistant
Karina is originally from Chihuahua Mexico and her family currently lives in Reinosa, Tamalipas Mexico. She is married to Eric Drake and they live in Danielsville, GA. She recently graduated from the World Reach Bible Institute. She is a member of the Hispanic Ministry of Prince Avenue Baptist Ch... Read more
Leah Brannon
Dental Coordinator
Leah has been the Dental Coordinator at Mercy Health Center for 3 yrs. She is a life-long resident of Athens. She graduated from Athens Tech with degrees in Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene. She is a member of Prince Avenue Baptist Church Read more
Kristi Kelley
Volunteer Coordinator/Patient Representative
Kristi is originally from Gainesville, Georgia and graduated from North Georgia College and State University in 2004 with a B.S. in Psychology. After earning her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2009, Kristi worked in the field of Social Services for families and children prior to joining the M... Read more
Valerie Puryear
Nursing Manager
Valerie, RN, is a graduate of Georgia State University, and has lived and worked in the Athens area for over 30 years. She and her husband Walter have two adult children and one grandchild. Valerie is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. Read more