The Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) honored eight hospital and health system executives and leaders at this week’s annual meeting. THA President and CEO Wendy Long, M.D., and THA Board Chair, Tim Adams, Regional Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, Ascension, presented this year’s awards to the following individuals:
- CEO of Distinction: Joe Landsman, retired president and CEO, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville.
- Small and Rural Hospital Leadership: Martha Henley, CEO, Unity Medical Center, Manchester.
- Senior Executive of Distinction: Linda Hughlett, chief nursing officer and senior vice president, Regional One Health, Memphis.
- Trustee of Distinction: Stephen Kiefer, M.D., board of directors, Blount Memorial Hospital, Maryville.
- Nurse Leader of Distinction: Jessica Holladay, VP and assistant chief nursing officer, surgical and trauma services, Erlanger, Chattanooga.
- Clinical Nurse of Distinction: Jonathan Henry, clinical nurse educator, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville.
- Patient Safety Leadership: Eileen Shrum, director of patient safety and quality, Erlanger, Chattanooga.
- Diversity Champion: Mamie Williams, Ph.D., senior director, nurse diversity and inclusion, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville.
Videos of award winners are available here, and photos are available here.
The CEO of Distinction Award is the association’s highest honor. It recognizes leadership and service by an individual member in addition to contributions to the healthcare industry.
Joe Landsman, retired president and CEO of the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, transformed the organization during his 25-year tenure, significantly expanding its facilities, services, and patient care capabilities. Under his leadership, UTMC grew its bed count, surgeries, patient admissions, and revenue. Landsman also advanced the hospital’s academic medical center status, laying the groundwork for numerous residency and fellowship programs and earning multiple accolades for excellence in patient care.
The Small and Rural Hospital Leadership Award is presented in recognition of significant contributions to rural healthcare in Tennessee.
Martha Henley, CEO of Unity Medical Center, Manchester, was honored for her unwavering commitment to rural healthcare. As chief operating officer of Java Medical Group and CEO of Unity Medical Center, Henley has been instrumental in transforming struggling rural hospitals into thriving centers of care excellence. Under her leadership, Unity Medical Center consolidated two local hospitals into one, improved financial performance, and earned numerous accolades, including recognition as a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital by the Chartis Center for Rural Health.
The Senior Executive of Distinction Award recognizes leadership and service by an individual in support of a THA member hospital or health system.
Linda Hughlett, chief nursing officer and senior vice president at Regional One Health, Memphis, has dedicated more than 30 years to nursing leadership. Guiding her team through challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and a national nursing shortage, she is celebrated for her innovative approaches to nurse retention, professional development, and patient safety. Hughlett’s commitment to accountability and her ability to empower her team have made a significant impact on patient care at Regional One Health.
The 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.
Dr. Stephen Kiefer, board of directors member at Blount Memorial Hospital, Maryville, exemplifies servant leadership. A retired cardiologist, Kiefer’s leadership during his term as Board President has been pivotal during challenging times for the hospital, including management transitions and legal disputes. He has fostered open communication between the hospital and local government, guiding the board and ensuring the hospital’s future viability through complex negotiations and partnership explorations.
The Nurse Leader of Distinction Award recognizes outstanding contributions by a registered nurse leader employed at a THA member hospital or health system.
Jessica Holladay, VP and assistant chief nursing officer, surgical and trauma services at Erlanger, Chattanooga, has been recognized for her innovative leadership and commitment to nursing excellence. Holladay developed a job share program between trauma ICU and ED nurses to improve collaboration, retention, and quality of care. She also spearheaded a groundbreaking active shooter training program that has trained over 400 Erlanger employees, enhancing safety protocols across the hospital.
The Clinical Nurse of Distinction Award recognizes outstanding contributions by a registered nurse employed at a THA member hospital or health system.
Jonathan Henry, clinical nurse educator at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, has made significant contributions through his research on morale distress among nurses and its impact on retention. Henry’s leadership in nurse education and his commitment to addressing systemic challenges in healthcare have improved the working environment for nurses and the quality of patient care at UTMC.
The 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.
Eileen Shrum, director of patient safety and quality at Erlanger, Chattanooga, has been a driving force in patient safety for 27 years. Her leadership in implementing innovative safety measures led to a marked decrease in hospital-acquired conditions and surgical site infections. Shrum’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of safety has elevated Erlanger’s quality of care, significantly enhanced patient outcomes, and set new standards for excellence.
The 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.
Dr. Mamie Williams, senior director of nurse diversity and inclusion at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, has been a trailblazer in advancing diversity within healthcare. She has led numerous initiatives to support underrepresented groups, co-chaired the Racial Equity Task Force, and established the Academy for Emerging Diverse Leaders. Williams’ efforts have created lasting, positive impacts on healthcare leadership and workforce diversity.
