Chief Executive Officer

Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society & Medical Foundation

The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society (MS) and Medical Foundation (MFC) of Chattanooga seek a collaborative, relationship-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead a highly respected physician organization with a longstanding history of community impact, advocacy, and innovation.

This is a unique opportunity to inherit a strong and stable organization with deep community roots, robust programming, strong financial stewardship, and a culture built on service, trust, and physician leadership.

Following more than two decades of transformational leadership by the current CEO, the organization is seeking a successor who can honor its legacy while helping guide its next phase of growth and impact.

About the Organization

Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society (MS)

Founded in 1883, the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society is a 501(c)(6) membership organization representing 1,317 physicians across Southeast Tennessee.
The Society serves as the voice of medicine in the community through advocacy, physician engagement, public education, communications, and professional support services. MS maintains a close relationship with the Tennessee Medical Association and serves as a trusted resource for physicians throughout the region.

Medical Foundation of Chattanooga (MFC)

Established in 1986, the Medical Foundation of Chattanooga serves as the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the organization.

Key initiatives include:
SE TN Project Access Community Health Partnership
LifeBridge Physician Well-Being Initiative
Future Docs Leadership Program

The Foundation advances physician leadership, community health, healthcare access, and workforce development throughout the region.

Shared staffing supports both entities while maintaining separate governance structures.

Affiliated Business Entities
Physician Services, Inc.
Wholly owned for-profit subsidiary currently evaluating future service opportunities supporting medical practices.

Tennessee Physician Quality Verification Organization (TPQVO)
A multi-owner verification organization supporting physician credentialing and verification services throughout Tennessee and beyond. The organization provides ongoing residual revenue supporting CHCMS operations.

Position Summary
The Chief Executive Officer serves as the chief administrative and operational leader of the organization, providing strategic leadership across multiple affiliated entities while serving as a trusted partner to physicians, governing boards, staff, and community stakeholders.

The successful candidate will balance strategic vision with operational excellence and relationship management, ensuring organizational sustainability while advancing the mission and priorities of the organization.

This role reports directly to the governing boards and works closely with physician leadership, staff, community partners, and healthcare organizations throughout the region.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Stewardship
Strategic leadership
Organizational stewardship
Advance the mission and long-term vision of the organization
Ensure organizational sustainability and growth
Anticipate challenges & trends in healthcare and develop proactive responses
Lead & mentor a diverse team to foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.
Ensure accountability, communication, and organizational effectiveness
Partner with Boards to identify future priorities & opportunities

Financial, Operational & Program Leadership

Oversee budgets, financial performance, and organizational resources
Manage a $1.3 M budget across 3 related entities
Prepare & administer board-approved budgets
Oversee fund development, including corporate & event sponsorships
Ensure effective administration of all affiliated entities
Maintain operational excellence and compliance
Program oversight
Identify & pilot new programs, revenue diversification & membership strategies
Identify & pursue grant opportunities
Manage all grant reporting, deliverables & funder relationships

Governance, Advocacy & Community Engagement
Build consensus and lead without formal authority over members
Support physician leadership development and advocacy efforts
Strengthen relationships with physicians and healthcare stakeholders
Represent the organization throughout the community
Serve as effective spokesperson with media, government & hospital leadership
Serve as primary advisor to governing boards
Support board engagement and effective governance practices
Facilitate communication between boards, committees, and staff

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field is required; Graduate degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum 10+ years progressive professional experience in management and supervisory roles in an association, corporation, academic institution or government setting.

Strongly Preferred: experience leading a medical society, foundation, civic initiative, or comparable membership organization.

Familiarity with Chattanooga or similar communities undergoing economic, demographic, and civic transformation.

The ideal candidate will bring:
Senior leadership or executive management experience
Experience working with boards, committees, or volunteer leadership structures
Strong financial and operational management capabilities
Proven executive or senior leadership experience
Strong operational and financial management capabilities
Ability to form diverse coalitions across sectors
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
Demonstrated ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments
Strategic thinking combined with strong execution skills
Experience in nonprofit, healthcare, association, foundation, or mission-driven organizations preferred
Ability to build trust with physicians, staff, community leaders, and partners
Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments
Public speaking skills
Equivalent combinations of education, leadership experience, and demonstrated success will be considered.

Leadership Transition Opportunity
This search is being conducted as part of a thoughtful and intentional leadership transition. The incoming Executive Director will benefit from a structured onboarding and knowledge-transfer process designed to support continuity, relationship development, and long-term success.

Candidates who value collaboration, stewardship, and building upon an existing foundation will find a rare opportunity to lead an organization that is both highly respected and well-positioned for the future.

Compensation & Benefits

The organization anticipates a starting salary of at least $120,000, with opportunities for additional compensation consideration based on experience, qualifications, and leadership track record.

The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
TextCare non-emergency medical assistance
Employer-paid life insurance
Employer-paid long-term disability coverage
401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions up to 4%
Paid Time Off (PTO) with progressive accrual based on years of service
Paid sick leave with annual carryover provisions
Ten paid holidays each year
Professional development and continuing education support
Eligibility for consideration of an annual performance-based bonus