Carol Newton: A Legacy of Leadership

True leaders know the job is never done — sometimes even after they’ve retired. This was the case for Carol Newton, who recently has served as the Interim Executive Director for Mission Health Care Network (MHCN), a clinically integrated network owned by CHI Memorial Health Care System.

Newton has nearly 40 years of experience in health care, and spent 12 years as CHI Memorial’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, where she was responsible for all aspects of the system’s strategic planning and financial and business operations. After stepping into semi-retirement, she continued to serve the organization over the next several years in a part-time capacity. During that time, she was involved in a number of initiatives, including helping to build a strong CIN.

“Carol is a consistent and dedicated professional who marries vision with operations,” says Kathy Bristow, System Vice President for Operations and Integration. “She can articulate vision and see beyond it — and also ensure all of the details get taken care of as well.”

She is active in the community, serving on boards and providing in-kind professional support to various organizations. Newton is also a leader in the community in causes that are aligned with our mission, including chairing Journey Health Foundation, a new foundation created to address health disparities in the region.

“Journey Health Foundation will serve as a partner with other not-for-profit organizations, including CommonSpirit Health, to advance better health in our community,” Newton says.

She says the pioneering spirit of service of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth has inspired her to community service.

“I have seen the tremendous impact that CHI Memorial has had in Chattanooga and how our ministry continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of those we serve,” Newton says. “The opportunity to provide interim leadership to Mission Health Care Network really helped to broaden my understanding of the broader needs in our community, beyond the walls of the hospital. I believe that CHI Memorial and CommonSpirit Health will continue the legacy of the Sisters through new collaborations with partner organizations such as Journey Health Foundation. I am excited to see the impact of these relationships in the years to come.”

Newton clearly exemplifies stewardship, Bristow says, adding, “She uses her strong financial savvy and connects it to the mission, and we will miss her.”