Intensive program inspires and invests in the next generation of healthcare leaders

NASHVILLE – The Nashville Health Care Council has announced the graduation of the 2023 Council Fellows cohort. Alongside this milestone, the Council Fellows program is celebrating a decade of engaging and connecting influential leaders, visionaries and collaborative partners to shape the industry’s future. 

Council Fellows is a five-month intensive program gathering the nation’s brightest healthcare minds to have intentional dialogue about challenges, opportunities and pivotal moments in the industry. The program leverages expertise, collaboration and curiosity to transform its Fellows through innovation and leadership.

“The Fellows program fosters innovation and excellence in the healthcare community in Nashville and nationwide. Council Fellows have influenced significant initiatives, built relationships that developed into partnerships and startups, and become the leaders that create meaningful change within their organizations – all with the goal of improving healthcare for all,” said former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, M.D., Chair Emeritus of Council Fellows. “I’m inspired by the work of the Council and look forward to the continued impact of classes to come.”

Led by Michael Burcham, Council Fellows Chair, the program’s curriculum is designed to provide Fellows with depth of issues, insights and opportunities within the key domains of healthcare.

“Magic happens when you get advocates for change in the same room. It’s energizing to witness, and I’m honored to support the program and lead dialogue year after year,” said Council Fellows Chair Michael Burcham. “The stimulating environment and conversations spark ideas, new products and services, and solutions to age-old problems. Fellows are the individuals setting the stage for the next phase of healthcare.”

The 2023 Council Fellows class includes:

• Miguel Benet, M.D., Senior Vice President, Clinical Operations, Community Health Systems
• Adrian Cabrera, Principal, Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe
• Carlene D. Callis, Chief System Integration and Growth Officer, Ardent Health Services
• Leah Cathey, Executive Vice President, Premise Health
• Michael M. Collier, Corporate Strategy and Development, HealthStream, Inc.
• Carl Daley, Senior Vice President, Retail Strategy and Operations, Humana, Inc.
• Amy Deaton, Chief Operating Officer, EvidenceCare 
• Weldon Diana, M.D., Market Medical Director, Landmark Health
• Shon Dwyer, MBA, President, Vanderbilt University Adult Hospital, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Amy Green, CEO and Founder, Nashville Collaborative Counseling Center
• William C. Haugh, President, Central Division, Lifepoint Health
• David Istvan, M.D., President, Northeast Group, TeamHealth
• Edmund Jackson, Chief Data Scientist, Whistler Capital Partners
• Ryan Keith, Head of Partnerships, Cadence
• Todd Leri, Chief Growth Officer, CareBridge
• Uttara P. Marti, MEng, Managing Director, Evercore
• Russell Marty, Government Relations Principal, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
• Leslie A. Meehan, Deputy Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Health
• Pranav C. Mehta, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, American Group, HCA Healthcare
• Michelle Nichols, M.D., Senior Vice President for Clinical Affairs, Meharry Medical College
• Michael Niffenegger, Director, Medicare Business Optimization and Affordability, Cigna
• Lynsey Perry, Vice President of Operations, Psychiatric Medical Care
• Seth Rainford, Co-Founder, President and COO, Digital Diagnostics
• Stacey Santo, Chief Engagement and Innovation Officer, Tivity Health
• Tim Suther, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Data Solutions, Change Healthcare
• Rhonda Switzer-Nadasdi, CEO, Interfaith Dental
• Melanie M. Thomas, Chief Information Officer, Nashville General Hospital
• Wendy Warren, Vice President, Legal, HCA Healthcare
• Anderson Williams, Vice President, Talent Development, Shore Capital Partners
• Scott Woods, Vice President, Policy, Research and Membership, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

Council Fellows forge powerful bonds and authentic relationships with program faculty, class members and alumni, which is maintained throughout its alumni network. Alumni are featured on the Fellows website at healthcarecouncilfellows.com/alumni.  

Applications for the 2024 Council Fellows class will open Sept. 6. Interested individuals are invited to attend virtual and in-person open houses May 31, Sept. 6 or Oct. 5 to learn more about the program and the application process.

About the Nashville Health Care Council

The Nashville Health Care Council protects, strengthens, and elevates Nashville as the nation’s healthcare industry capital. Founded in 1995, the Council serves as the common ground for the city’s vibrant healthcare cluster. The Council offers engagement opportunities where the industry’s most influential executives come together to exchange ideas, share solutions, build businesses, and grow leaders.

For more information on the Council, please visit www.healthcarecouncil.com.