Tennova Healthcare Announces Bill Rich as New CEO at Tennova North Knoxville Medical Center

6/13/2023

POWELL, TN (June 13, 2023) – Tennova Healthcare has announced that North Knoxville Medical Center has appointed Bill Rich as its new chief executive officer effective July 17, 2023. As CEO, Rich will oversee day to day operations for the growing acute care facility in Powell, TN.

Rich comes to North Knoxville Medical Center after serving since 2016 as CEO at Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital (previously Tennova Healthcare Shelbyville) in Shelbyville, TN. Throughout his tenure, he has cultivated collaborative relationships with physicians and employees to strengthen operations and the delivery of safe, quality care. Patient satisfaction has increased and through leader and nurse engagement, process efficiencies in the ER have reduced wait times. Clinical outcomes rank in the top 20% of all hospitals in the country with a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 4-Star Rating and two consecutive Leapfrog A grades. His recruitment of new physicians has brought more access to surgical procedures and other specialties to meet medical needs in the community.

Before joining the Shelbyville hospital, Rich served as chief operating officer at Tennova Healthcare–Regional Jackson in Jackson, TN, where he supported service enhancements including a 10,000-square-foot surgery expansion, installation of new CT and MRI equipment, and recruitment of new physicians to the community. He began his healthcare career as an administrative resident with a health system in Ohio where he was ultimately promoted to the role of vice president of operations and business development.

“We have been purposeful in our selection process for the leader of our North Knoxville Medical Center campus. There is a consistency in Bill’s commitment to improving patient experience, quality outcomes, growth strategies, recruitment and overall operations that will support the continuing growth of our facility as Powell grows. On Thursday, we watched as the last beam was being placed on the top of our new tower that will have additional rooms for our emergency department, more acute patient beds and medical intensive care beds. With so many expansion and growth opportunities, we knew we needed a strong leader with proven results,” said Tony Benton, chief executive officer Tennova Healthcare.

Rich holds a master’s degree in health services administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH, and a bachelor’s degree in toxicology from Ashland University in Ashland, OH. He and his family will relocate to the Knoxville area.

“I have always been impressed with Tennova Healthcare and am excited for this opportunity. There are great things happening in Powell and I look forward to supporting our medical staff, employees, volunteers and board members to meet the healthcare needs of our patients and community,” said Rich.

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