With a passion for helping patients reclaim their independence and a proven record of leadership in health care, Brandy Smith Cortes has built a career defined by compassion. As business development director at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan, she leads a clinical sales team focused on expanding access to inpatient rehabilitation services. Under her guidance, the team educates physicians, nurses, case managers, and other health care providers on the critical role rehabilitation plays in a patient’s recovery journey. Through assessment, advocacy, and collaboration, they identify individuals who can benefit from specialized care and ensure a seamless transition into the hospital setting.
Ms. Cortes’ educational foundation laid the groundwork for her lifelong dedication to patient care. She earned an Associate of Science degree in registered nursing from SUNY Broome Community College. She also holds certification as a registered nurse through the Alabama Board of Nursing and achieved her certified nursing assistant credential through Health Occupations Students of America. Her passion for health care began early, inspired by the compassion she experienced during her own childhood hospitalization. In high school, she earned her certified nursing assistant certificate through Health Occupations Students of America and won first place in a regional bedside skills competition, earning a full nursing school scholarship.
Ms. Cortes’ outstanding performance earned her multiple awards, including Rookie Clinical Liaison of the Quarter, Suggested Best Practice, first place in the REACH Team Sales Competition and REACH Clinical Liaison MVP. Her excellence in leadership and service was later recognized when she was featured in “Thrive Magazine” as part of a special edition highlighting the tenth anniversary of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan.
Before assuming her leadership position at Encompass Health, Ms. Cortes held several progressive roles within the organization, each shaping her strategic insight and operational acumen. As a community care division manager, she strengthened relationships with local providers and community partners, expanding awareness of available rehabilitation resources. In her tenure as division manager and selling division manager, she focused on operational efficiency, patient outreach and process improvement, all while maintaining a patient-centered philosophy that underscored every initiative.
Ms. Cortes’ earlier leadership experience includes working as the director of business development at Roosevelt Warm Springs Rehabilitation & Specialty Hospitals, where she introduced innovative marketing strategies and expanded referral networks that increased patient admissions and strengthened community trust. Prior to that, she was a senior rehab liaison at HealthSouth, contributing to patient assessment and care coordination efforts that supported optimal recovery outcomes.
Building on her early experiences in patient care, Ms. Cortes was a business development and marketing coordinator at Chattahooche Hospice Inc., promoting awareness of hospice care and supporting families during end-of-life transitions. She also worked at Vibra Healthcare as a clinical liaison and interim clinical admissions manager, where she distinguished herself through patient advocacy, admissions management and clinical collaboration.
Ms. Cortes is an active member of professional organizations such as the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, American Rehabilitation Nursing Association, Georgia Stroke Professional Alliance and Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology. These affiliations reflect her dedication to professional development and her desire to stay engaged with evolving standards of excellence within the health care field.
Throughout her career, Ms. Cortes has demonstrated perseverance and adaptability in navigating industry challenges, including evolving insurance regulations and Medicare Advantage complexities. She is widely respected for her advocacy on behalf of patients, ensuring that individuals receive the care they deserve despite systemic barriers. A natural leader, she continues to model empathy, professionalism and integrity in every aspect of her work.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms. Cortes devotes her time to meaningful community service. Since joining Oasis Seventh Day Adventist Church, she has served as a Mad Hatter, crocheting hats for cancer patients as a gesture of warmth and compassion. Her kindness and commitment to uplifting others reflect the same values that guide her in health care. In the future, she aims to continue contributing to Encompass Health while pursuing opportunities for advancement into regional leadership.