Ballad Health Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ballad Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, information technology, and market leadership.

Driven by a commitment to community well-being, Ballad Health provides comprehensive healthcare services across a multi-state region, focusing on accessible, high-quality patient care and regional health improvement.

Leadership Roles at Ballad Health

  • Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer - Alan M Levine
  • Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Johnston Memorial Hospital - John Jeter
  • Chief Financial Officer - Laken Fritz
  • Southwest Market Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Frank Canova
  • Chief Financial Officer, Johnson City Medical Center - Chase Wilson
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Shane Hilton
  • Chief Operating Officer - Eric Deaton
  • Wellmont Medical Assoicates Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Karen Williams
  • Chief Operating Officer, At Johnson City Medical Center - Davis Greene
  • Chief Information Officer - Pamela Austin
  • Alan M Levine - Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Alan M Levine, the Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer at Ballad Health, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the integrated healthcare system. Levine guides the organization's mission to serve communities across Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Northwest North Carolina, and Southeast Kentucky. This leadership role involves setting corporate objectives, fostering a culture of clinical excellence, and ensuring financial sustainability across all Ballad Health facilities. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to stakeholder engagement, including interactions with the board of directors, community leaders, and regulatory bodies. Alan M Levine drives initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes, expanding access to care, and navigating the complex landscape of modern healthcare delivery. The strategic direction established by Levine ensures Ballad Health remains a vital resource for regional health and wellness.

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

    John Jeter, the Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Johnston Memorial Hospital at Ballad Health, leads the strategic vision and operational management for this specific hospital facility. Jeter directs the hospital's efforts to provide high-quality patient care and services to the surrounding community, ensuring alignment with Ballad Health's system-wide objectives. This leadership role involves overseeing all aspects of hospital operations, fostering a culture of clinical excellence, and managing relationships with medical staff, employees, and community stakeholders. The Chief Executive Officer is instrumental in driving growth, enhancing patient satisfaction, and ensuring the financial viability of Johnston Memorial Hospital. John Jeter's commitment to healthcare leadership supports Ballad Health's mission of serving regional health needs.

    Laken Fritz - Chief Financial Officer

    Laken Fritz, the Chief Financial Officer at Ballad Health, oversees all financial operations and strategic financial planning for the expansive healthcare network. Fritz manages budgeting, financial reporting, revenue cycle management, and capital allocation across the system's service areas in Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Northwest North Carolina, and Southeast Kentucky. This critical role ensures the financial health and long-term viability of Ballad Health, enabling continued investment in patient care and infrastructure. The Chief Financial Officer works closely with other executive leaders to align financial strategies with clinical and operational goals. Laken Fritz's expertise is vital in managing the financial complexities inherent in a large, multi-state healthcare provider, driving efficiency and optimizing resource utilization to support the organization's mission of community health.

    Frank Canova - Southwest Market Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Frank Canova, the Southwest Market Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Ballad Health, directs financial strategy and operational oversight for the Southwest region of the healthcare system. Canova manages financial performance, budgeting, and resource allocation to support healthcare delivery in Southwest Virginia and surrounding areas. This dual role ensures that financial objectives are met while operational efficiency is maintained to serve patient needs effectively. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer collaborates with local leadership to implement system-wide financial policies and drive growth initiatives. Frank Canova's financial acumen and market-specific understanding are critical for sustaining and expanding Ballad Health's presence and services within the Southwest territory.
    Frank Canova

    Chase Wilson - Chief Financial Officer, Johnson City Medical Center

    Chase Wilson, the Chief Financial Officer, Johnson City Medical Center at Ballad Health, oversees the financial operations and strategic financial planning for this key medical center. Wilson manages budgeting, financial reporting, and revenue cycle management specifically for the Johnson City Medical Center, ensuring its financial health and contribution to the broader Ballad Health system. This role is vital for optimizing financial performance within a major hospital facility, supporting its mission to provide advanced medical care to the region. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with hospital leadership and system finance teams to align financial strategies with clinical and operational goals. Chase Wilson's expertise is essential for navigating the financial intricacies of a large medical center and ensuring its continued service to the community.

    Shane Hilton - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Shane Hilton, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Ballad Health, holds a pivotal role in managing the financial health and strategic financial direction of the entire integrated healthcare system. Hilton oversees comprehensive financial planning, capital management, and fiscal operations across Ballad Health's extensive service region. This senior leadership position is critical for ensuring the organization's financial stability, enabling investments in advanced medical technologies and patient care initiatives. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer works closely with the CEO and board to align financial strategies with the overarching mission of community health and wellness. Shane Hilton's leadership guides Ballad Health through complex financial landscapes, driving efficiency and long-term sustainability.
    Shane Hilton

    Eric Deaton - Chief Operating Officer

    Eric Deaton, the Chief Operating Officer at Ballad Health, directs the day-to-day operational activities and service delivery across the integrated healthcare system. Deaton is responsible for optimizing clinical operations, enhancing patient flow, and ensuring the efficient functioning of hospitals and related facilities serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Northwest North Carolina, and Southeast Kentucky. This leadership position involves implementing best practices in healthcare management, driving operational improvements, and fostering a culture of safety and quality patient care. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with clinical and administrative teams to achieve organizational objectives and enhance the patient experience. Eric Deaton's focus on operational excellence supports Ballad Health's commitment to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services throughout its extensive service region.
    Eric Deaton

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

    Karen Williams, the Wellmont Medical Associates Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Ballad Health, manages the operational performance and strategic direction for specific facilities within the integrated system. Williams oversees the clinical and administrative functions of Wellmont Medical Associates, ensuring alignment with Ballad Health's broader goals of providing high-quality patient care across its service areas. This leadership position involves driving operational improvements, enhancing patient satisfaction, and fostering a collaborative environment among medical staff and employees. The Chief Operating Officer plays a key part in optimizing resource allocation and service delivery within the designated market. Karen Williams's dedication to operational excellence supports the continued delivery of comprehensive healthcare services to the communities served by Ballad Health.

    Davis Greene - Chief Operating Officer, At Johnson City Medical Center

    Davis Greene, the Chief Operating Officer, At Johnson City Medical Center at Ballad Health, directs the operational activities and service delivery for this significant medical facility. Greene is responsible for optimizing clinical operations, enhancing patient flow, and ensuring the efficient functioning of the Johnson City Medical Center. This leadership position involves implementing best practices in healthcare management, driving operational improvements, and fostering a culture of safety and quality patient care within the hospital. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with clinical and administrative teams to achieve organizational objectives and enhance the patient experience. Davis Greene's focus on operational excellence supports Ballad Health's commitment to providing accessible and high-quality healthcare services through its flagship medical center.

    Pamela Austin - Chief Information Officer

    Pamela Austin, the Chief Information Officer at Ballad Health, leads the strategic development and implementation of information technology systems across the healthcare network. Austin is responsible for overseeing all aspects of IT infrastructure, electronic health records, cybersecurity, and digital innovation to support clinical care and operational efficiency throughout Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Northwest North Carolina, and Southeast Kentucky. This role is crucial for enabling seamless data exchange, improving patient engagement through technology, and ensuring the security of sensitive health information. The Chief Information Officer works to leverage technology to enhance patient outcomes, streamline administrative processes, and support the overall mission of Ballad Health. Pamela Austin's leadership ensures the organization remains at the forefront of technological advancements in healthcare.
    Pamela Austin

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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 M Levine (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as John Jeter (Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Johnston Memorial Hospital) and Laken Fritz (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Ballad Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ballad Health includes leaders such as Alan M Levine (Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer), John Jeter (Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Johnston Memorial Hospital), Laken Fritz (Chief Financial Officer) 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, Vice President & Chief Executive Officer, Johnston Memorial Hospital, Chief Financial Officer, Southwest Market Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Johnson City Medical Center.