Leadership
Meet Our Leadership Team
The GI North leadership team is composed of experienced professionals committed to creating a welcoming environment where the patients come first.
Jason W. Miller, MPA, FACMPE
Laura Crawford
Candie Leslie
Magda Bragg, SHRM-CP
Kent Dayton
Heenali Patel
Jason W. Miller, MPA, FACMPE
Chief Operating Officer
Jason W. Miller began his tenure as Practice Administrator at GI North in June 2020 before being promoted to the position of Chief Operating Officer in March 2022. Along with undergraduate and graduate degrees from Appalachian State University, Jason brings a wealth of practical knowledge from his many years in healthcare administration as well his time with Booz Allen Hamilton as a consultant for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, Jason has held the distinction of being a Certified Medical Practice Executive through the American College of Medical Practice Executives since 2015. In 2023, Jason completed the highest level of distinction in medical practice administration by becoming a Fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives.
With a penchant for perfection, Jason is dedicated to improving the patient experience at GI North through technological modernization and service. Jason is also committed to philanthropic ventures and focused on cultivating experiences through which the GI North family can give back in the North Atlanta region.
Always with an eye to the future, Jason looks forward to being an integral part of the growth of GI North, both in locations and service offerings.
Laura Crawford
Endo Nurse Manager
Laura Crawford earned her degree in nursing from Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2003. She has worked as a registered nurse for over 15 years in various specialties including pediatric emergency medicine, surgery, and endoscopy. She began her time at GI North in April 2022 after relocating to Cumming, Georgia from Michigan. In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time with her husband and 4 children, traveling, and skiing in Utah.
Candie Leslie
Director of Operations
Candie Leslie was born in Cebu, Philippines and moved to Georgia when she was 12 years old. She earned her certification in healthcare administration from Chattahoochee Technical College in 2013. Having spent the past 15 years in the healthcare administration field, she has accumulated hands-on experience in a wide array of skills and disciplines, including front-office management, billing, and call center operations. She has been instrumental in each of her roles, helping create policies and procedures as well as streamline day-to-day operations and management methods. Currently, Candie is Director of Operations, overseeing front-office staff and managing all location needs. In her free time, Candie enjoys date nights with her husband, Adam, as well as spending as much time as possible with her two children, Isabel and Emma. Her hobbies include baking, crafts, dancing, and cheering on the Tennessee Vols.
Magda Bragg, SHRM-CP
Director of Human Resources
Magda was born in Poland before moving to the US at the age of 12. She grew up in Smyrna, GA and graduated with her BBA-Human Resources from Kennesaw State University. Magda joined the GI North team in May of 2022.
As an active member of SHRM and her years of experience in the HR she provides support and strategic advice in recruitment and employment, training and development, labor relations, benefits administration, compensation, payroll and the development of organizational culture. As an HR Professional she understands the importance to sensitive information and confidentiality and always handles these issues in accordance with policies and regulations.
Kent Dayton
Director of Clinical Operations
Kent is a Georgia native who grew up in Gwinnett County. He earned his MS in Counseling from Georgia State University in 2001 and his BSN from Brenau University in 2015. Kent has worked in multiple specialties including orthopedics, neurosurgery, trauma, general surgery, and substance abuse. Prior to starting his career in nursing, Kent worked for the State of Georgia, for 15 years, in the field of child protection. Kent is a veteran of the US Army. Kent started with GI North in January of 2024 and is currently the Director of Clinical Operations.
Kent has two grown boys and one cat. Kent’s favorite pastime is spending time with his boys.
Heenali Patel
Director of Billing Services
Heenali was born in India and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her Associates in Science degree from Georgia Perimeter College and has worked in the health care field since 2013. She started her journey at GI-North as a Director of Billing Services in May 2023. She brings 10 years of strong medical billing experience to ensure all of the current processes are implemented and the best possible care is provided to patients.
In her free time, Heenali enjoys spending time with her husband, Hari and 2 boys, Hriday & Hridaan. Her hobbies include hiking, traveling, and knitting.
