After serving more than a year as interim chief executive officer, Dr. Veronica Elders was unanimously selected by the Metro Nashville Hospital Authority Board to become the permanent chief executive officer of Nashville General Hospital.
The board’s decision followed a national search that narrowed the field to two finalists: Elders and Dr. Keith Churchwell, former president of Yale New Haven Hospital and immediate past president of the American Heart Association.
Board members said Elders distinguished herself through her proven leadership, institutional knowledge and ability to restore stability following a tumultuous period at the hospital. During the selection process, candidates were evaluated on their ability to execute Nashville General’s long-term vision, rebuild trust among employees and the community, strengthen the hospital’s financial position, advocate for the institution and provide steady leadership for years to come.
Hospital leaders and employees repeatedly emphasized the importance of continuity. Since being named interim CEO following the resignation of former CEO Joseph Webb in early 2025, Elders helped rebuild confidence within the organization while strengthening relationships with community partners and Metro government.
Among her accomplishments as interim CEO was securing Nashville General’s full $67.88 million Metro budget request, a significant achievement as the hospital prepares for major renovations and plans for a new facility. She also helped negotiate a new operating agreement with Meharry Medical College, ending a period of uncertainty between the longtime partners and reaffirming Nashville General’s role as the teaching hospital for Meharry’s medical students and residents.
Prior to becoming interim CEO, Elders served in several leadership positions at Nashville General after joining the hospital in 2015, including ‘director of emergency services,’ ‘administrative director of patient through-put’ and ‘assistant chief nursing officer’ before being named ‘chief nursing officer.’ Her progression through the organization gave her extensive knowledge of the hospital’s operations and earned the confidence of both employees and the Hospital Authority Board.
Doctors, nurses and hospital staff strongly supported Elders’ appointment, praising her approachable leadership style, ability to unite the organization and commitment to Nashville General’s mission of providing equitable, compassionate care to all patients.
Following the board’s unanimous vote, Elders thanked board members for their confidence and pledged “an unwavering commitment to our mission of delivering equitable and compassionate care to every individual and family we serve.”
A Nashville native with more than 25 years of healthcare experience, Elders now assumes permanent leadership of Nashville General Hospital as it prepares for its next chapter, including construction of a new hospital and continued expansion of its partnership with Meharry Medical College.
