Cody Connell, NP

Cody Connell, NP, is an experienced nurse practitioner with over 11 years in nursing and 6 years in advanced practice, specializing in hospital-based critical care. His clinical expertise spans cardiology, interventional cardiology, and cardiothoracic surgery, where he plays a vital role in managing complex, high-acuity patients. He currently works with Emory Health System in Atlanta while continuing his longstanding role at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, Georgia, serving as a Cardiothoracic Surgery Nurse Practitioner.

A key highlight of Cody’s career is his leadership in launching a comprehensive open-heart surgery program at Tanner Medical Center. In collaboration with a cardiothoracic surgeon, he helped build the program from the ground up, bringing advanced cardiac services to the local community. The program now offers procedures including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacements, ascending aortic aneurysm repairs, pacemaker implantation, and thoracic and thoracic oncology surgeries. He also played an instrumental role in introducing ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) services to the facility and serves as the ECMO Coordinator, significantly expanding life-saving capabilities within the region.

Cody earned his associate degree from Gadsden State Community College and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Jacksonville State University. In 2023, he further strengthened his leadership skills by completing a postgraduate program at Harvard. In addition to his clinical work, he is committed to education and professional development, leading a monthly cardiothoracic lecture series that includes peer review and public speaking. His passion for cardiac care is deeply personal—sparked by caring for his ill grandfather and profoundly shaped by his son’s early experience with open-heart surgery—fueling his dedication to advancing cardiac care and improving patient outcomes.

• Associates degree, Gadsden State Community College, Gadsden, Alabama
• Bachelor's degree, Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama
• Master's degree, Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, Alabama
• Postgraduate leadership program, Harvard, 2023

• MSN
• AGACNP-BC

• STS
• ERAS
• ANCC
• American Association of Critical Care Nursing

I am presenting a couple of journals at STS in May. I also conduct a monthly cardiothoracic lecture series for the staffing community that includes lectures, peer review, content, and public speaking.