Experienced healthcare leader named CEO of Holston Valley Medical Center, Indian Path Community Hospital

Kevin Rinks brings more than 15 years of healthcare leadership experience 

Ballad Health has selected an experienced leader in healthcare to lead its hospital operations in Kingsport, Tennessee. Kevin Rinks has accepted the position of chief executive officer of Holston Valley Medical Center and Indian Path Community Hospital, effective March 23, following a national search.

"Kevin is a mission-driven leader with a proven ability to strengthen hospital operations while ensuring the delivery of high quality, safe care,” said Dr. Chad Couch, president of Ballad Health’s Northern Region. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated strong physician relationships, developed high-performing teams, and his results are excellent. He is the right leader for Holston Valley and Indian Path.”

Rinks brings more than 15 years of advanced healthcare leadership experience, most recently serving as chief executive officer of the 295-bed St. Vincent’s Southside Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla., which is part of one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the United States, Ascension. In this role, he focused on strengthening quality, deepening physician partnerships and advancing operational excellence while driving strategic growth.

During his tenure at Ascension, Rinks partnered closely with clinical leaders to improve key quality metrics, including hospital-acquired infection rates, and helped renew the hospital’s Leapfrog “A” patient safety designation. He also championed initiatives to reduce wait times in the emergency department and enhance associate engagement and retention. Along with these results, he improved the financial performance of the hospital.

Prior to that role, Rinks served as CEO of St. Vincent’s Clay County Hospital, a full-service, 134-bed facility. Earlier in his career, he held executive leadership positions with Mercy, Community Health Systems and Lifepoint Health, including service as chief financial officer and vice president of operations across multiple acute care hospitals.

A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), Rinks earned a master’s degree in health service administration from Strayer University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

“I am honored to join Holston Valley Medical Center, Indian Path Community Hospital and the Ballad Health family,” Rinks said. “These hospitals have a long-standing reputation for clinical excellence and for serving as a cornerstone of care in Kingsport and the Appalachian Highlands. I look forward to partnering with the community’s physicians, nurses and team members to continue advancing quality care, expanding access and ensuring that every patient experience reflects our commitment to compassionate, high-value care.”

Dr. Lauren Py, the elected chief of medical staff at Holston Valley, noted Rinks’ collaborative leadership style stood out during the selection process.

“Kevin is an experienced healthcare executive who understands that strong clinician alignment and open communication are essential to achieving the best patient outcomes,” Py said. “Our medical staff looks forward to working alongside him to continue strengthening the culture of excellence at Holston Valley and Indian Path.”

Dorothy Dobbins, chairman of the Kingsport Community Board of Directors, highlighted Rinks’ impressive track record of operational improvement and community engagement.

“Kevin has consistently demonstrated the ability to lead complex organizations while keeping patients and communities at the center of every decision,” said Dobbins, who also participated in the selection process. “His experience in driving quality outcomes, improving efficiency and investing in infrastructure aligns perfectly with our mission. We are excited to welcome him to Kingsport.”

In addition to his leadership experience, Rinks brings a strong record of driving growth and modernization across hospital systems. He has extensive experience in capital planning and facility improvements, having secured significant reinvestment in infrastructure and equipment modernization projects in his previous roles. He has also led strategic service line growth initiatives in surgical services, interventional cardiology and emergency medicine while fostering strong relationships with EMS partners and community organizations.

As he relocates from Florida to Tennessee, Rinks said he is eager to immerse himself in the region and advance Ballad Health’s mission.

“My family and I are excited to become part of the Kingsport community,” Rinks said. “Ballad Health plays a vital role not only in delivering advanced care, but also in supporting the health and vitality of the entire region. It is a privilege to serve in this role, and I am committed to listening, learning and working together to build on the strong foundation of these hospitals.”

Rinks will officially assume his new role on March 23.