It’s important that we all get to know who our leaders are at Ballad Health. To help out, we’ll do an ongoing series that introduces our senior leaders and tells you a little about them as people.
1. What’s your name?
Monty E. McLaurin
2. What’s your role within Ballad Health?
President, northwest market
3. Where are you from?
Born and raised in Louisiana.
4. Education and professional background:
BS in Science Education from Louisiana College; MS in Hospital & Healthcare Administration from the University of Alabama-Birmingham
5. Tell us about your family:
Wife, Debi, and four children who are living in Dallas, Texas; New York City; Oxford, Mississippi; and Johnson City.
6. Tell us about your pets:
Two dogs, Shih Tzu brothers who are rescue dogs. They love to jump in my lap together when I get home.
7. What’s your favorite food?
Ribs, brisket, chicken – anything I can put in my smoker.
8. What’s your favorite movie or TV show?
“Blindspot”
9. What’s your favorite book?
The Bible
10. What do you usually do on the weekend?
Golf, golf golf – and woodworking when it’s too cold to play golf.
11. What’s one thing most people at work might not know about you?
I have a passion for all things Scottish.
12. What inspires you to work in healthcare?
The ability to touch people in a way no other business or industry can. Our healing ministry was my first calling; now it is health improvement, as well, so I’m excited to be a part of this investment as we move forward.
13. What’s the most moving moment you’ve ever witnessed while working in healthcare?
The moments outside our core business are the most meaningful. Arranging for a wedding of the daughter of a patient who was in the hospital – and moving the wedding to the hospital so the father could participate. The nurse who goes to the clothing store and purchases clothing with her own money for a patient who is being discharged. The team member who arranges for a surprise birthday party for a patient who turned 100 while in the hospital.
Monty will serve as president of Ballad Health’s northwest market, with oversight of Holston Valley Medical Center, Hawkins County Memorial Hospital, Hancock County Hospital, Indian Path Medical Center, Lonesome Pine Hospital, Mountain View Regional Medical Center, Norton Community Hospital and Dickenson Community Hospital. McLaurin was previously the chief executive officer and vice president of Indian Path Medical Center in Kingsport, Tennessee.