Nashville General board unanimously appoints Dr. Veronica Elders as permanent CEO after nationwide search

The Nashville General Hospital Authority on Tuesday voted unanimously to offer the position of chief executive officer to Dr. Veronica Elders, closing a nationwide search that the board said began with nearly 200 applicants.

David Escovar, chair of the CEO search committee, told the board the committee narrowed the pool to 10 semifinalists, five semifinalists, and then two finalists after a multi-stage interview process. The committee’s unanimous recommendation was to appoint an internal candidate: Dr. Elders. The chair took the recommendation as a motion; the board approved it by voice vote with no opposition.

Escovar said the point of an open search was to “cast a nationwide net” and confirm that the hospital had the right leader for its next chapter. He praised the committee’s process and singled out Janet Lester for coordination work.

Dr. Veronica Elders accepted the position and thanked the board and staff. She framed her agenda around Nashville General’s mission to provide equitable, patient-centered care, described collaboration with Meharry Medical College and outlined priorities that include strengthening clinical quality, expanding access, investing in people and systems, and reinforcing financial stewardship.

The appointment culminates a formal search process that the committee described as rigorous and community-informed. The board did not discuss contractual terms in the public meeting. Escovar and other board members lauded Elders’ interim leadership and urged support as she assumes the permanent role.

The board’s vote followed applause and public recognition in the room. The hospital will proceed with onboarding steps and continuing work with community and academic partners, the board said.

What happens next: Elders will transition from interim to permanent CEO; the board and staff said they will follow up publicly on implementation steps and strategic planning timelines.