The Tennessee Hospital Association (THA) announced its board leadership for the year ahead during its 88th Annual Meeting, held September 24-25 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Jim VanderSteeg, president and CEO of Covenant Health, was reelected to serve another year as chair of the THA Board of Directors.
VanderSteeg leads Knoxville-based Covenant Health, a community-owned health system with hospitals, outpatient services, and specialty care across Tennessee. He joined Covenant Health in 2007 and served as executive vice president and chief operating officer before becoming president and CEO in April 2016.
“Hospitals need the workforce and financial resources to keep essential care available in their communities,” VanderSteeg said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue as chair and help bring those needs directly into the conversations shaping healthcare policy. Our patients and the people caring for them should be at the center of those decisions.”
Matt Schaefer, president and CEO of Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, will serve as chair-elect. He joined the Knoxville hospital in August 2020 after serving as senior vice president and chief operating officer of Children’s Hospital New Orleans. He also held director and executive roles at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, including president of its West Campus.
Michael Ugwueke, president and CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, will continue serving as immediate past chair. He has led the Memphis-based health system since 2017, after serving as chief operating officer. Ugwueke received THA’s CEO of Distinction Award in 2021.
The following board members were also elected:
- Chad Campbell, President, Region 4 Operations, Community Health Systems, At-Large Member, 2026-2029, Reelection
- Reginald Coopwood, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Regional One Health, At-Large Member, 2026-2029, Reelection
- Jim Edmondson, Chief Executive Officer, Hardin Medical Center, At-Large Member, 2026-2029, Reelection
- Scott Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Saint Francis Hospital, Tenet Healthcare, At-Large Member, 2026-2029, Reelection
- Fahad Tahir, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascension Saint Thomas, At-Large Member, 2026-2029, Reelection
- Zach Chandler, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, Ex-Officio Member, THA Innovative Solutions representative, 2026-2028
A complete list of THA board members is available at THA.com/About/Board.