Ballad Health Board of Directors and Foundation Board elect distinguished regional leaders

Jerry Caldwell, Eddie Neely, Dr. Jennifer Whittington and Greg Perdue bring decades of leadership in business, healthcare and community service

The Ballad Health Board of Directors has elected Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway, and Eddie Neely, recently retired chief financial officer of K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City), as its newest members, adding two accomplished business leaders with deep roots in the Appalachian Highlands.

Caldwell succeeds board member Scott Niswonger, while Neely succeeds David Lester, both of whom are concluding long, distinguished terms of service.

Dr. Jennifer Whittington and Greg Perdue have been elected to the Ballad Health Foundation Board, further strengthening the foundation's leadership as it advances philanthropy and community investment across the Appalachian Highlands.

“Strong community leadership has always been one of Ballad Health’s greatest assets,” said Alan Levine, chairman and CEO of Ballad Health. “Each of these great leaders brings exceptional professional accomplishment, proven business expertise and a deep commitment to the future of our region. Their servant-minded leadership, strategic insight and dedication to the people in our region complement the already great leaders serving on our board.”

Caldwell has become one of the region’s most recognized business and civic leaders during his career at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he rose from college intern to president and general manager. Under his leadership, the speedway has hosted nationally significant events, including the record-setting Battle at Bristol and the MLB Speedway Classic, while serving as a catalyst for tourism, economic development and regional collaboration. He also played a key leadership role in establishing the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center at Bristol Motor Speedway following Hurricane Helene and has helped direct millions of dollars in charitable support through Speedway Children's Charities.

“Jerry has a remarkable ability to bring people together around a shared vision for our region,” Niswonger said. “His leadership, integrity and commitment to the Appalachian Highlands make him an outstanding choice to help guide Ballad Health, and I know the organization will benefit greatly from his perspective.”

Neely brings more than 40 years of financial and executive leadership experience, including serving in executive leadership roles at Alpha Natural Resources. A certified public accountant and East Tennessee State University graduate, he recently retired as chief financial officer of Food City and has extensive experience in corporate governance and community service. He previously served on Ballad Health’s Finance and Retirement Committees and remains active in numerous regional organizations.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Eddie for nearly 50 years, and few people have earned my trust and respect the way he has,” Lester said. “He is a thoughtful leader, an exceptional financial steward and someone who always puts the community first. Our region will be well served by his leadership.”

Ballad Health Foundation Board of Directors

Joining the Ballad Health Foundation Board are Dr. Jennifer Whittington, a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist committed to expanding access to advanced cancer care close to home, and Greg Perdue, Kingsport market president for First Horizon Bank and a longtime civic leader whose service has strengthened organizations throughout the region. Together, they bring expertise in healthcare, business and community leadership that will help advance the Foundation’s mission of expanding access to care and improving the health of the Appalachian Highlands.

“Jennifer and Greg are inspired leaders who care deeply about serving others,” said Jack Simpson, president of the Ballad Health Foundation. “Their deep commitment to improving the lives of those around them, and passion for helping our region thrive, will make them tremendous assets to our Foundation Board and the people we are privileged to serve.”

As Ballad Health welcomes new servant leadership, the organization also recognizes the lasting contributions of the outgoing board members whose service has helped shape healthcare across the Appalachian Highlands.

“Scott Niswonger and David Lester are models of integrity, wisdom and character,” Levine said. “While we are excited about our new board members, we also regret this is the end of their terms. Both intend to remain involved with Ballad Health, and we are so grateful for that. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their selfless service.”

Ballad Health’s Board of Directors and Ballad Health Foundation Board are composed of community leaders who volunteer their time and expertise to help ensure the health system remains focused on delivering high-quality, locally governed healthcare while investing in the long-term well-being of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.