Executive Vice President/Chief Physician Executive
Ballad Health
Dr. Clay Runnels serves as Chief Physician Executive for Ballad Health, leading the system's physician leadership structure with oversight of clinical services, quality, service lines, Ballad Health Medical Associates, health research, and graduate medical education. A licensed emergency physician, Dr. Runnels has held progressive leadership positions within the health system since 2000.
Dr. Runnels has championed award-winning initiatives including reducing time to treatment for oncology patients, streamlining physician credentialing processes, and developing regional stroke care protocols and teleneurology programs. His leadership bridges clinical excellence with operational strategy, advancing both quality outcomes and physician engagement across the system.
Dr. Runnels is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American College of Emergency Physicians. He holds membership in the Tennessee College of Emergency Physicians and the American Association of Physician Leadership.
Building Resilient and Transparent Healthcare Partnerships Through Governance
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
10:45am - 11:45am CT