JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – On April 28, an energetic and highly diverse group of professionals from across the system came together to celebrate their graduation from the Ballad Health Excellence in Leadership Program. This cohort brought a wide range of experiences, roles and perspectives – and that diversity became one of the program’s greatest strengths.
Throughout the journey, participants actively shared ideas, challenges and insights from their day-to-day work. These conversations sparked fresh thinking and helped participants build new relationships across the system, creating connections that will continue well beyond the program.
The Excellence in Leadership Program was developed for all leaders to attend upon promotion or hire. The program covers a broad mix of practical and impactful leadership topics.
Participants explored key human resources concepts, strengthened their ability to build trust, and learned how to multiply the intelligence of their teams by empowering others and tapping into collective strengths. Each session encouraged reflection, discussion and real-world application, helping leaders connect what they learned to how they lead every day.
As part of the program, participants also created personalized learning plans based on a 360 Diagnostic assessment to guide their continued development. These plans ensure that growth doesn’t stop at graduation but instead serves as a launch point for the next stage of their leadership journey.
Graduating on April 28 marked more than the end of a program – it marked the beginning of a new chapter. This cohort leaves with expanded perspectives, stronger networks and practical tools to lead with confidence, curiosity and purpose. The Excellence in Leadership Program continues to invest in leaders who are ready to grow themselves, uplift their teams and positively impact the system as a whole.
Graduates of the cohort include:
- Amber Baker – Regional Communications Center
- Vicki Barrett – BHMA Family Forest Care
- Roger Cassell – Behavioral Health
- Brandon Davis – Volunteer and Auxiliary Services
- Connie Denton – Marsh Regional Blood Center
- Carrie Gatzke – Corporate Pharmacy
- Frances Johnson – Radiology, Russell County Hospital
- Laura Mellons – ICU, Holston Valley Medical Center
- Mike Miller – Respond
- Lara Pesce – Digital Care
- Kendalyn Peters – Marketing and communications
- Jamie Phipps – Nursing administration, Sycamore Shoals Hospital
- Jilian Reece – Marketing and communications
- Tara Smith – Surgery, Johnson City Medical Center
- Jaylee Stanley – Med/surg, Johnston Memorial Hospital
- Megan Thompson – Volunteer and Auxiliary Services
- David Timbs – Ballad Health Academy
- Monica Toohey – Family Birth, Norton Community Hospital
- Christy Williams – RN, nurse manager, float pool
All classes take place on Tuesdays during their cohort at the Training and Education Center. Any leaders interested in participating in the program should reach out to Sarah Nave at sarah.nave@balladhealth.org. The next available cohort begins on June 30. Registration for that cohort will close on June 12.
