Veteran executive Rebecca Beck named CEO of Johnson City Medical Center

Mitch Kennedy, RN, to serve as interim CEO of Holston Valley Medical Center, Indian Path Community Hospital as Beck transitions to Johnson City and national search begins

Ballad Health has selected Rebecca Beck as CEO of Johnson City Medical Center, effective Nov. 2.

Beck, who has served as CEO of Ballad Health’s Holston Valley Medical Center and Indian Path Community Hospital since 2022, was selected after a broad regional and national search.

“Rebecca is a leader who listens, inspires her team and always puts patients and communities first,” said Alan Levine, chairman and CEO of Ballad Health. “Her steady judgment, deep understanding of our region and commitment to our mission make her the ideal choice to guide Johnson City Medical Center forward.”

Beck brings extensive leadership experience within the Ballad Health system, having served at Holston Valley, Bristol Regional Medical Center, Hawkins County Memorial and Hancock County hospitals. Under her guidance, Holston Valley Medical Center recently earned U.S. News and World Report’s distinction as one of the “Best Regional Hospitals” and was named one of “America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Cardiovascular Surgery” by Healthgrades.

In 2022, Beck was named one of “60 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review – the only honoree from Tennessee or Virginia that year. Johnson City Medical Center, home to a Level 1 trauma center, was recently named #1 in Tennessee for patient safety in trauma care by CareChex, a Quantros award, and was found to have zero deficiencies in availability of surgical specialties, non-surgical specialties and post-anesthesia recovery services by the State of Tennessee.

Raised in East Tennessee, Beck remains deeply connected to the Appalachian Highlands. She and her family live in Johnson City, where she is active in regional health and nonprofit initiatives. She’s served on the YMCA of Greater Kingsport Board of Directors, the United Way of Greater Kingsport Board of Directors – where she was the 2024 Campaign Chair – the Branch House Board of Directors and the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee.

“Rebecca’s leadership has consistently elevated the hospitals she’s served,” said Eric Deaton, chief operating officer of Ballad Health. “She brings a clear vision to Johnson City with a relentless drive for excellence and an ability to unite people behind a shared mission.”

Dr. Leon Bass, the elected chief of the medical staff at Johnson City Medical Center, welcomed her appointment. “As part of the selection process, I was impressed by Rebecca's genuine commitment to partnering with physicians and her perspective on clinical alignment with the medical staff,” said Dr. Bass. “Her collaborative leadership style gives me great confidence that we will continue advancing high-quality care for every patient we serve.”

Cathy Ball, chair of the Johnson City Medical Center community board, added, “Rebecca combines proven expertise with an authentic connection to this community. She understands our people and our needs, and she leads with both head and heart. We are proud to welcome her as CEO.”

As Beck transitions to her new role, Mitch Kennedy, RN, Holston Valley’s chief operating officer and a registered nurse, will step in as interim CEO of both Holston Valley and Indian Path Community Hospital. Kennedy has more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience.

“Rebecca has been a team builder and trusted partner to our physicians and care teams, ensuring their voices are heard and valued while uniting staff and the broader community through her inclusive leadership,” said Dr. Dorothy Dobbins, chair of the Holston Valley Medical Center community board. “With Mitch stepping in and a seasoned leadership team in place, Holston Valley is well-positioned to continue providing excellent care while advancing Ballad Health’s commitment to developing strong, patient- and community-focused leaders.”

Ballad Health will begin the national search for Holston Valley’s next CEO immediately, engaging hospital staff, physicians and community stakeholders throughout the process.

Reflecting on the move, Beck said, “Our team in Kingsport will always hold a special place in my heart, and it has been an honor to serve alongside such dedicated clinicians, team members and volunteers. As I transition to Johnson City Medical Center, I am excited to work with its outstanding staff and physicians to advance patient care, expand services and shape the next chapter of healthcare for this region. Together, we will continue raising the standard of care and meeting the needs of our patients and community.”