A born and raised son of Simpson County, Matthew “Zip” Windham has assumed the responsibility as Simpson General Hospital’s Administrative Director. As the Administrative Director, Zip will lead the organization’s efforts for its Clinics, Plant Operations, Marketing, Human Resources and Environmental Services. Zip’s family ties run deep in Simpson County, and he comes from a long line of community servants. His mother, Teresa Flynt Windham, RN has worked as an SGH employee for over 30 years in multiple capacities. Teresa spent 20 years as the Director of Nursing, filled in as interim Administrator twice, and is currently practicing as the Behavioral Health Nurse Manager. Zip’s sister, Lauren Windham Pierce, has served Simpson County folks as a Licensed Practical Nurse for 10 years. Lauren’s current assignment is nursing alongside Mendenhall native Paul Munn, NP in the SGH Clinic to provide family health and children’s services. Zip’s late father, David “Zip” Windham, grew up in Magee as a local legend and continued the legacy that his father before him began in 1963 of serving the awarding-winning, world-famous Zip Burgers and Zip sauce to his community.
Zip is a 2005 Hall of Fame graduate of Simpson County Academy where he was a 5-time State Champion in Baseball, Football, and Track. In 2007, he received his associate degree with an emphasis in Pre-Medicine from Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, MS where he was a Hall of Fame Inductee, Taylor Presidential Scholar, Mr. Co-Lin and Student Body President. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS in 2009 where he was President of the Rotaract Men’s Club. Zip’s childhood dream was to become a pediatrician; however, he decided to pursue a different career and further his education in Healthcare Administration stating, “blood and needles do not necessarily agree with me.”
This is not Zip’s first stint at SGH. Initially, he worked during the summers of 2006 and 2007 as an Emergency Room Technician while attending Co-Lin. Zip later functioned as the Human Resource Manager at SGH during the height of the COVID pandemic from April 2020 to July 2022. Some of his previous work history includes time with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi, Pioneer Health Services, and multiple Addiction Treatment Centers. Most recently, Zip worked as the Human Resource Director at a State Veterans Home in South Alabama. Ultimately, he claims that divine intervention opened the door for him to come back home to MS to pursue his long-term dream of Healthcare Administration.
Zip states, “The opportunity to work under the direct leadership of Gregg Gibbes, CEO and Administrator at SGH, was an integral part of the decision to return; not to mention, the opportunity to work with the great people of Simpson County again. Mr. Gibbes’ commitment to SGH and his vision for the organization’s future through new developments will have a lasting impact for many generations to come. Great things are happening at SGH, and I am excited to join a thriving workplace in my hometown.”
Zip talked about the importance of family and support that he receives from his beautiful wife, Meggan, and three precious children, John Prince, Asher David, and Magnolia Grace. When asked about the biggest influence in his life, he talked about his Father David Windham who passed away in September 2013 from cancer. Zip mentioned that he would come home to Magee on the weekends to fulfill his family obligation to his dad by working at Zip’s Café and earn some spending money. Zip said, “I’ll never forget Dad telling folks with that Windham grin on his face that I only come home when I get hungry.” Zip sat back in his seat as he reflected on his dad. Then he leaned forward and looked me straight in eye stating, “I guess Dad was right, huh? I am hungry. And it is time for me to come back home.”
