At Tennessee Hospital Association’s (THA) 2022 Annual Meeting, association leadership and board of directors joined to honor and recognize this year’s most notable hospital and health system executives across the state. THA President and CEO Wendy Long, M.D., and THA Board Chair Jason Little, president and CEO at Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation in Memphis, presented THA’s 2022 Awards of Excellence awards to the following individuals in the respective categories:
- CEO of Distinction – Joanna Conley, CEO, TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center, Nashville
- Senior Executive of Distinction – Florence Jones, President, Methodist North Hospital, Memphis
- Trustee of Distinction – John Boxell, M.D., CHI Memorial, Chattanooga
- Patient Safety Leadership – Petra Green, Market Director, Nursing, CHI Memorial, Chattanooga
- Nurse Leader of Distinction – Leanne Bilbrey, Director of Nursing Services, Macon Community Hospital, Lafayette
- Clinical Nurse of Distinction – Andrea Henson, West Tennessee Healthcare, Bolivar
- Diversity Champion – Monica Wharton, EVP/CAO, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Memphis
- Small and Rural Hospital Leadership – Stephanie Boynton, VP and CEO, Erlanger Bledsoe, Pikeville
- THA President’s Award – Larry Martin, Board Chair, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Knoxville
- AHA Grassroots Champion Award – Joe Landsman, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville
- AHA Most Valuable PAC Player Award – Janelle Reilly, Market CEO, CHI Memorial, Chattanooga
Available videos of award winners are accessible here. Photos are accessible here.
CEO of Distinction Award, the association’s highest honor, recognizes leadership and service by an individual member, in addition to achievements within and contributions to the healthcare industry.
In service to HCA Healthcare for 13 years, Joanna Conley, CEO, TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center, Nashville, was recognized for transforming the hospital’s reputation, expanding services in the local area, completing renovations and providing community resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Senior Executive of Distinction Award recognizes leadership and service by an individual in support of a THA member hospital and health system.
Florence Jones, President, Methodist North Hospital, Memphis, who, in addition to serving integrally during the COVID-19 pandemic, has led her team in performance that has garnered national recognition, spearheaded the launch of service enhancements that have expanded patient care, and helped guide community outreach and engagement to improve patients’ health status and outcome.
Trustee of Distinction Award recognizes an active or recently retired member of the board of directors or associate/advisory board of a THA member institution.
John Boxell, M.D., CHI Memorial, Chattanooga, is recognized for improving the quality of care for people in the community through his medical practice, his leadership to the board of directors, and in advocacy for primary care physicians and their patients. Considered a servant leader, he has held positions on the board of directors on four separate occasions and served as board chair, giving generously of his time, talents and expertise and providing counsel and guidance.
Patient Safety Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has taken extraordinary and innovative steps to make patient safety and quality a top priority in their organization.
Petra Green, Market Director of Nursing, at CHI Memorial, Chattanooga, has made outstanding contributions by developing, implementing and maintaining a culture of healthcare safety, while enhancing quality initiatives, fostering excellence and leading by example.
Nurse of Distinction Awards recognize outstanding contributions by registered nurses employed at a THA member hospital or health system.
Nurse Leader of Distinction
Leanne Bilbrey, Director of Nursing Services, Macon Community Hospital, Lafayette has served in multiple leadership roles in her 40-year career, demonstrating a commitment to continuous quality improvement and enhanced patient outcomes. Among her numerous accomplishments, she continues to advocate for nurses and enhancements contributing to improved work environments and efficiencies.
Clinical Nurse of Distinction
Andrea Henson of West Tennessee Healthcare, Bolivar, has served as a registered nurse in the emergency department for more than 20 years. She has garnered the respect and trust of her team, and the confidence of patients seeking care. A patient advocate, she strives to provide the best care through exceptional service, while advocating on each patient’s behalf.
Diversity Champion Award recognizes leaders who have made outstanding contributions in leadership and workplace diversity, equity and inclusion, and demonstrated commitment to a diverse workforce.
Monica Wharton, EVP/CAO, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, in Memphis is an innovative and purpose-driven leader who ensures her team is poised for success. In leadership overseeing information technology, human resources, governance and legal, she ensures caregivers have the support necessary to provide outstanding care. She has a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, holding her team to the highest standards, and setting the bar for leadership.
THA Small and Rural Hospital Leadership Award is presented in recognition of significant contributions to rural healthcare in Tennessee.
Stephanie Boynton, VP and CEO, Erlanger Bledsoe, in Pikeville, has spent 20 years leading and growing access to care in her community. A native of Pikeville, she understands the important role of rural healthcare and developed a strategic plan for her hospital’s sustainability to ensure its longevity to benefit the entire region.
The THA President’s Award is presented at the discretion of the THA president and CEO in recognition of notable contributions made to a Tennessee hospital or healthcare system.
Larry Martin, board chair at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Knoxville is the 2022 recipient. He served for 12 years, contributing as a member on numerous board committees, including as board chair from July 2019 to June 2022 as board chair. During his tenure on the board, Martin oversaw notable expansions, renovations and programmatic growth. He also served as board chair and a member of the board for Covenant Health.
The American Hospital Association Grassroots Champions Award was created to recognize hospital leaders who most effectively educate elected officials on how major issues affect hospitals’ vital role in the community. The recipients have done an exemplary job in broadening the base of community support for hospitals.
Joe Landsman, president and CEO, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, has contributed his time to raising awareness and increasing understanding of the challenges Tennessee hospitals face and opportunities that exist. He has dedicated himself to efforts showing legislators how they can support health providers in their important work.
The AHA PAC Most Valuable Player Award is given to those who understand the value of a robust PAC by taking leadership roles in developing strong PAC bases in their organizations and working to strengthen their relations with legislators.
Janelle Reilly, Market CEO, CHI Memorial, Chattanooga, and THA’s incoming board chair, has led the charge in initiating important dialog with elected officials and colleagues alike to stress the significance of the organization’s PAC to the landscape of Tennessee’s healthcare industry.
