Adnan Brka selected as chief nursing officer of Johnson City Medical Center

Johnson City Medical Center has selected Adnan Brka, RN, to serve as its chief nursing officer. In this role, Brka will oversee all nursing practices at the hospital. He will begin his role Jan. 26.

In this position, Brka will work closely with nursing leaders, physicians and hospital leadership to advance clinical excellence and support the delivery of safe, high-quality, compassionate care for patients and families across the region.

"Adnan is a respected and proven leader who brings deep clinical expertise, operational insight and a strong commitment to our nursing teams," said Rebecca Beck, CEO of Johnson City Medical Center. "His commitment to compassionate nursing care is unmatched.”

"As someone who has been a part of nursing leadership within Ballad Health, Adnan understands our culture, our values and, most importantly, the needs of our patients and nurses," Beck added.

Dr. Elizabeth Jackson, chief medical officer of Johnson City Medical Center, said Brka's collaborative leadership style and clinical background were key factors in the selection process.

"Adnan is highly regarded by physicians and nursing leaders alike for his focus on the needs of the patient," Dr. Jackson said. "His sound clinical judgment, commitment to the evidence and respect for his colleagues all contribute to his ultimate focus, which is how to best care for the patients who suffer from some of the most complex illnesses.”

Brka brings extensive nursing leadership experience within Ballad Health. Most recently, he served as chief nursing officer for Holston Valley Medical Center and Indian Path Community Hospital, where he led nursing operations, quality and safety efforts and workforce initiatives. Prior to that role, he served as interim chief nursing officer and as critical care director, overseeing the intensive care unit, progressive care unit and COVID-19 units.

To ensure continuity of nursing leadership at Holston Valley Medical Center and Indian Path Community Hospital during this transition, Kristen Looney, a nurse practitioner with an advanced nursing degree who has served as director of patient care services, including leadership within the emergency department, has been named interim chief nursing officer. Looney has served her entire 16-year nursing career at Holston Valley Medical Center.    

“As a fellow nurse with a passion for taking the best possible care of patients, I could not be more pleased to have Kristen by my side serving as chief nursing officer of Holston Valley Medical Center,” said Mitch Kennedy, interim chief executive officer of Holston Valley Medical Center. “I don’t know anyone with a stronger focus on high-quality care and a positive patient experience.”

Brka began his nursing career in 2005 as a licensed practical nurse at Holston Valley Medical Center. Over the years, he progressed through roles of increasing responsibility, including charge nurse, nursing supervisor and nurse manager, building a strong foundation in bedside nursing and hospital operations.

"Ballad Health and this community have given me tremendous opportunities to grow as a nurse and as a leader," Brka said. "I have learned so much as I have grown in my career here. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve all the patients of Ballad Health and Johnson City Medical Center as we all work together to care for our region. Our caregivers are as good as they come, and I look forward to partnering together to provide the services our regional home needs.”

Brka earned his licensed practical nurse degree from the Tennessee Technology Center in Elizabethton in 2005. He completed his associate degree in 2010, his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from King University in 2011, and his Master of Science degree from Western Governors University in 2020.