Ballad Health Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ballad Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, clinical operations, financial management, and regional hospital administration.

Committed to improving regional health outcomes, Ballad Health delivers integrated medical services across Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky through a robust network of community-focused healthcare facilities.

Leadership Roles at Ballad Health

  • Chairman & President & Chief Executive Officer - Alan Levine
  • President and Chief Executive Officer Ballad CVA Heart Institute - Thomas Helton
  • Chief Executive Officer, Smyth County Community Hospital - Dale Clark
  • Vice President & Chief Executive Officer (Greeneville Community Hospital) - Eric Carroll
  • Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Johnston Memorial Hospital - John Jeter
  • Chief Executive Officer, SWVA Market (Wise, Lee & Dickenson Counties) & Vice President - Shannon Showalter
  • Chief Financial Officer - Brooke Davis
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Shane Hilton
  • Chief Financial Officer, Ballad Health Southwest Virginia - Phillip Childree
  • Wellmont Medical Assoicates Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Karen Williams
  • Alan Levine - Chairman & President & Chief Executive Officer

    Alan Levine, the Chairman & President & Chief Executive Officer at Ballad Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire integrated healthcare system. Overseeing the alignment of clinical quality with operational efficiency, the Chairman & President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization meets the complex medical needs of communities across Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Northwest North Carolina, and Southeast Kentucky. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain financial sustainability while expanding access to specialized care. By prioritizing patient-centered initiatives, Alan Levine directly influences the long-term growth and stability of the system. Ultimately, Levine secures the future of regional healthcare delivery through rigorous oversight of all administrative and clinical functions within the expansive network.

    Thomas Helton - President and Chief Executive Officer Ballad CVA Heart Institute

    Thomas Helton, the President and Chief Executive Officer Ballad CVA Heart Institute at Ballad Health, manages the specialized cardiovascular services provided throughout the regional network. Overseeing the integration of advanced cardiac care protocols, the President and Chief Executive Officer Ballad CVA Heart Institute ensures that patients receive high-quality treatment for complex heart conditions. This leadership role involves coordinating with clinical teams to optimize surgical outcomes and diagnostic accuracy across the multi-state service area. By driving innovation in cardiac medicine, Thomas Helton directly impacts the mortality and recovery rates of the population served. Ultimately, Helton maintains the reputation of the institute as a premier destination for cardiovascular excellence while managing the operational requirements of this critical medical department.

    Dale Clark - Chief Executive Officer, Smyth County Community Hospital

    Dale Clark, the Chief Executive Officer, Smyth County Community Hospital at Ballad Health, manages the daily operations and community engagement efforts for this specific facility. Overseeing the delivery of local medical services, the Chief Executive Officer, Smyth County Community Hospital ensures that the facility meets the unique health needs of the surrounding population. This leadership role involves coordinating with medical staff to improve patient satisfaction and operational efficiency within the hospital walls. By fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders, Dale Clark directly enhances the impact of the facility on the community. Ultimately, Clark maintains the standard of care expected within the broader system while addressing the specific challenges of providing healthcare in a rural setting.
    Dale Clark

    Eric Carroll - Vice President & Chief Executive Officer (Greeneville Community Hospital)

    Eric Carroll, the Vice President & Chief Executive Officer (Greeneville Community Hospital) at Ballad Health, directs the operational strategy and clinical performance for the Greeneville facility. Overseeing the integration of hospital services with the broader system, the Vice President & Chief Executive Officer (Greeneville Community Hospital) ensures that local patients access a full spectrum of care. This leadership role involves managing the facility budget and staff development to maintain high standards of medical excellence. By focusing on operational improvements and patient safety, Eric Carroll directly influences the quality of care provided in the Greeneville area. Ultimately, Carroll ensures that the hospital remains a vital resource for the community while contributing to the overall success of the regional healthcare network.
    Eric Carroll

    John Jeter - Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Johnston Memorial Hospital

    John Jeter, the Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Johnston Memorial Hospital at Ballad Health, manages the strategic direction and clinical operations of this key facility. Overseeing the implementation of system-wide health initiatives, the Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Johnston Memorial Hospital ensures that the hospital provides comprehensive care to the local population. This leadership role involves collaborating with department heads to streamline patient flow and improve clinical outcomes. By prioritizing service excellence and community health, John Jeter directly impacts the effectiveness of the hospital within the regional system. Ultimately, Jeter maintains the operational integrity of the facility while ensuring that the medical staff has the resources necessary to deliver high-quality care to every patient.

    Shannon Showalter - Chief Executive Officer, SWVA Market (Wise, Lee & Dickenson Counties) & Vice President

    Shannon Showalter, the Chief Executive Officer, SWVA Market (Wise, Lee & Dickenson Counties) & Vice President at Ballad Health, manages the strategic operations and community health initiatives across the Wise, Lee, and Dickenson counties. Overseeing the coordination of care between multiple facilities, the Chief Executive Officer, SWVA Market (Wise, Lee & Dickenson Counties) & Vice President ensures that the regional population receives consistent and high-quality medical services. This leadership role involves engaging with local leaders to address specific health challenges unique to the Southwest Virginia market. By driving operational efficiency and service expansion, Shannon Showalter directly improves the accessibility of care in these rural areas. Ultimately, Showalter ensures that the regional market remains a strong and effective component of the larger healthcare system.

    Brooke Davis - Chief Financial Officer

    Brooke Davis, the Chief Financial Officer at Ballad Health, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the integrated healthcare system. Overseeing the budgeting processes and revenue cycle management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources remain available for essential medical services across the regional footprint. This leadership role involves analyzing financial performance metrics to support long-term investment in hospital infrastructure and technology. By optimizing cost structures and identifying growth opportunities, Brooke Davis directly contributes to the financial resilience of the organization. Ultimately, Davis provides the necessary economic framework to sustain high-quality patient care while navigating the complex regulatory environment of the healthcare industry in the Appalachian region.
    Brooke Davis

    Shane Hilton - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Shane Hilton, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Ballad Health, directs the enterprise-wide financial strategy and long-term economic planning. Overseeing the treasury functions and financial reporting, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the system maintains a strong balance sheet to support ongoing clinical expansion. This leadership role involves managing complex debt structures and capital investments that facilitate the modernization of regional medical facilities. By implementing rigorous financial controls and performance monitoring, Shane Hilton directly supports the operational viability of the entire network. Ultimately, Hilton drives the fiscal discipline required to sustain the mission of providing accessible healthcare across the diverse geographic regions served by the organization.
    Shane Hilton

    Phillip Childree - Chief Financial Officer, Ballad Health Southwest Virginia

    Phillip Childree, the Chief Financial Officer, Ballad Health Southwest Virginia at Ballad Health, directs the financial operations and resource management for the Southwest Virginia market. Overseeing the budgetary performance of regional facilities, the Chief Financial Officer, Ballad Health Southwest Virginia ensures that financial resources are allocated to maximize patient care impact. This leadership role involves analyzing regional economic trends to support strategic decision-making for the local market. By maintaining strict financial oversight and identifying cost-saving opportunities, Phillip Childree directly supports the sustainability of healthcare services in the region. Ultimately, Childree provides the financial foundation necessary for the system to continue its mission of serving the diverse communities across Southwest Virginia.

    Karen Williams - Wellmont Medical Assoicates Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Karen Williams, the Wellmont Medical Assoicates Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Ballad Health, directs the operational workflows and clinical support functions for the medical associates group. Overseeing the daily management of physician practices and outpatient services, the Wellmont Medical Assoicates Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that clinical teams operate with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves implementing standardized care protocols and improving the patient experience across all associated clinics. By optimizing the operational infrastructure, Karen Williams directly supports the productivity and quality of the medical staff. Ultimately, Williams ensures that the medical associates group functions as a cohesive unit, providing reliable and accessible care to patients throughout the regional network.
    Karen Williams

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ballad Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ballad Health?
    Ballad Health is led by Alan Levine (Chairman & President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Thomas Helton (President and Chief Executive Officer Ballad CVA Heart Institute) and Dale Clark (Chief Executive Officer, Smyth County Community Hospital).
    Who is part of Ballad Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ballad Health includes leaders such as Alan Levine (Chairman & President & Chief Executive Officer), Thomas Helton (President and Chief Executive Officer Ballad CVA Heart Institute), Dale Clark (Chief Executive Officer, Smyth County Community Hospital) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ballad Health have?
    Ballad Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ballad Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ballad Health includes roles such as Chairman & President & Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer Ballad CVA Heart Institute, Chief Executive Officer, Smyth County Community Hospital, Vice President & Chief Executive Officer (Greeneville Community Hospital), Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Johnston Memorial Hospital.