Ballad Health’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, Eric Deaton, has been selected as chair of the Board of Directors for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) for 2023-2024. Deaton was elected during the VHHA’s annual Spring Meeting this week in Richmond.
The board comprises leaders from hospitals and health systems across the Commonwealth.
Deaton, MHA, MBA, FACHE, has served in hospital leadership roles in Tennessee, Virginia and South Carolina for several decades, including a previous role as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Wellmont Health. He also previously served as market president for Lifepoint Health, a role in which he oversaw operations at Danville Regional Medical Center and Memorial Hospital of Martinsville (hospitals now known as Sovah Health – Danville, and Sovah Health – Martinsville, respectively). Deaton is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
“Following a difficult three years,” Deaton said, “hospitals and the nation are emerging from the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic having learned some important lessons yet still facing significant challenges such as lingering financial hardship and workforce shortages across the healthcare delivery system.
“As a hospital community, we have been tested by one of the most harrowing public health emergencies in recent memory. Looking forward, our hospital and health system members will continue to care for patients and collaborate to protect public health, enhance access to care, and prepare for future challenges ahead. I am honored my colleagues have entrusted me to serve as VHHA Board Chair and I look forward to working with hospital leaders across Virginia in this role to continue advancing those priorities.”
