THA is proudly committed to addressing inequality in the healthcare system in our state. Addressing lack of diversity and the existence of health disparities in our nation is a challenge, but not an insurmountable one. It requires everyone working together to address these issues because we can all be part of the solution. At THA we believe we are all better together.
Tennessee Hospital Association’s Council on Inclusion and Health Equity promotes equity of care and the elimination of health care disparities. The Council advocates strategies to help members develop culturally competent leaders and staff to improve health outcomes in the communities they serve.
Chair
TISH TOWNS, FACHE
Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer
Regional One Health
| Name | Position | Facility | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Appling | Chief Diversity Officer | Erlanger Medical Center-Baroness Hospital | Chattanooga |
| Rose Bailey | Director, Diversity & Health Equity | West Tennessee Healthcare | Jackson |
| Joanna Conley | Chief Executive Officer | TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center | Nashville |
| Becki Fogerty | Executive Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | University of Tennessee Medical Center | Knoxville |
| Elisa Friedman | Associate Vice President for Health Equity | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville |
| Jennifer Hellweg | Vice President, Quality/Risk Management/Employee Health | TriStar NorthCrest Medical Center | Springfield |
| Betsy Kammerdiener | Market Director, Mission Integration | CHI Memorial | Chatanooga |
| Patrice Mayo | THA Liaison – Vice President for Operations, TN Center for Patient Safety | Tennessee Hospital Association | Brentwood |
| James Ross, MSHA, BSN, AEMT | President and Chief Executive Officer | West Tennessee Healthcare | Jackson |
| Landon Smith | Chief Operating Officer | Parkridge Medical Center | Chattanooga |
| Terrell Smith, MSN, RN | Senior Director, Patient and Family Engagement | Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Nashville |
| Karisse Spray | Vice President, Equity & Inclusion | Community Health Systems, Inc. | Franklin |
| Tish Towns, FACHE | Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer | Regional One Health | Memphis |
| Cyrilyn Walters | Medical Director, Ambulatory Services | UTROP Regional One Health | Memphis |
| Debi Welch | Senior Vice President, Human Resources | Covenant Health | Knoxville |
THA Staff Contacts
Patrice Mayo
Vice President, Operations, Tennessee Center for Patient Safety
615-401-7434
Health Disparities 