MURFREESBORO, Tenn., (Oct. 17, 2024) — After more than two decades of dedicated service, Gordon B. Ferguson, FACHE, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, has announced his decision to retire, effective at the end of June 2025. This marks the conclusion of a 26-year career at the hospital, 19 of which he served as president and CEO.
“I was fortunate to join the hospital in 1998 after learning about the great work happening here,” Ferguson said reflecting on his journey with Ascension. “From the very beginning, I could see the deep commitment to the community, and I wanted to be a part of it.” Starting as a senior vice president, he eventually rose through the ranks, becoming interim CEO in 2005. “Those early years taught me so much about the strength of our team, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Under his leadership, the hospital experienced unprecedented growth, most notably in 2010, when the former Middle Tennessee Medical Center transitioned from Highland Avenue to its current location on Medical Center Parkway. This move expanded the hospital campus to 80 acres, leading to the addition of more than 200 beds and the introduction of high-acuity programs, including the launch of cardiovascular surgery in 2023.
“One of the most significant opportunities I faced as CEO was securing approval to build the new hospital. It took a lot of meetings and persuasion to make the vision a reality," Ferguson said. "But looking back, opening the new campus and seeing it thrive 14 years later is one of my proudest achievements. Our mission has always been to grow alongside our community, ensuring that we provide the services and care Rutherford County needs.” I also appreciate the opportunity I was given in 2015 to oversee our regional facilities for five years as they became integrated into our system of care.
In 2023, Ferguson’s leadership also oversaw the opening of Westlawn Hospital, Tennessee’s first neighborhood hospital, featuring a full-service 24/7 emergency department, inpatient care, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory services. These advancements have solidified Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford’s role as a leading healthcare provider in the region.
Throughout his career, Ferguson has been recognized for his exceptional leadership and dedication to healthcare. His accolades include being named one of the top 25 hospital operators in Tennessee, Healthcare Hero by the Nashville Business Journal, Person of the Year by the Daily News Journal in 2010, and Business Person of the Year in 2010 and Business Legend in 2018 by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. Ferguson’s impact extends beyond the healthcare industry - he is a valued and well-respected leader and community member in Rutherford County serving on the State Board of Education from 2016 through 2022.
“Gordon’s heart and soul are totally committed to the community. He is a passionate advocate to expand services and his impact far exceeds the walls of the hospital - he is an admired and well-respected community leader in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County,” Fahad Tahir, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas, said. “I continue to be excited about the future of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, having served the community for nearly a century. As we look forward, Gordon’s inspiration and our clinical program and capital expansion plans will continue to bring compassionate, excellent care to our patients for years to come.”
Discussing his legacy, Ferguson emphasized his commitment to the hospital's culture and values. “I’ve always strived to foster an environment where our associates feel proud to work, where their voices are heard, and where patient safety and care are paramount. Our team’s dedication and the improvements we’ve made over the years in both associate engagement and patient experience are a testament to that.”
As Ascension Saint Thomas begins the search for Ferguson’s successor, the focus is on finding a candidate who will continue the hospital’s growth and remain deeply connected to the community. Ferguson will stay on for one year after his retirement as vice president of community relations, focusing on key relationships with public officials and community partners, capital campaigns, and philanthropy efforts for the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation.
When asked about his post-retirement plans, Ferguson said, “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, especially my granddaughter, and activities I enjoy such as swimming, cycling, boating and yard work. It’s a new chapter, and I’m excited about the opportunities it will bring.”
About Ascension Saint Thomas
Ascension Saint Thomas is a leading health care system with a 125-year history of providing care to the community, and is the only faith-based, non profit health system in Middle Tennessee. Today, the health system offers a highly comprehensive system of care, with more than 250 sites of care that cover a 45-county area in Tennessee consisting of 16 hospitals and a network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and specialty facilities. Across the state, Ascension Saint Thomas and its partner organizations employ more than 13,000 dedicated associates who care for millions of patients each year. Ascension Saint Thomas is part of Ascension, one of the nation’s largest faith-based healthcare organizations committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension includes approximately 134,000 associates, 35,000 affiliated providers and 140 hospitals, serving communities in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visitwww.ascension.org.
