Each year, we recognize Women's History Month throughout March as a time to celebrate the contributions women bring to our nation. Parkridge Health System honors the contributions of women throughout history, celebrates women in healthcare who show up every day to care for our patients and remains committed to supporting the advancement, equity, and full representation of all women for generations to come.
Below, we introduce you to a group of influential women at Parkridge Health most of whom have broken barriers by being the first to obtain higher education degrees within their families and have navigated their careers while experiencing motherhood. This month, we highlight how they have enriched our organization and empowered others.
Whitney Evans Snardon, Chief Operating Officer, Parkridge Medical Center
Whitney Evans Snardon, the first black woman to hold the chief operating officer title at Parkridge Medical Center, strives to foster a stronger community both inside and outside of the hospital.
“Being the first black woman to hold this position is not lost on me,” she said. “I am inspired by the women who will come after me, and I believe promoting diversity should continue to be a priority.”
Snardon serves as an Advisory Board Member of the Hamilton County Family Justice Center and also works closely with the Orchard Knob Collaborative, which aims to improve the health and well-being of the community by addressing the social detriments of health. She also serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and is the chair of the Black Colleague Network for the HCA Healthcare TriStar Division, Parkridge Health's parent company.
“You have to meet people where they are, and in order to do that, you have to listen,” she said. “When you listen, you have a chance to uplift that person to a better, more positive space. I try to do that every day.”
Deborah Deal, Chief Nurse Executive, Parkridge Health System
Deborah Deal, chief nurse executive of Parkridge Health System, says the face-to-face interactions with patients attracted her to the profession more than 35 years ago.
“My favorite part is still being able to walk down the halls and see patients,” she said. “I love to see the staff members taking care of patients.”
Now, Deborah works to elevate the level of nursing across the six facilities of Parkridge Health, advocating for her nursing colleagues and ensuring they always have the opportunity to develop their careers.
“Anything is possible when you have the right attitude,” she said. “The most powerful tool someone has can be found in the mind.”
Carolyn Ridge, Chief Financial Officer, Parkridge Health System
Carolyn Ridge, chief financial officer of Parkridge Health System, aims to translate Parkridge Health's numbers into words.
“By understanding what the data and results mean, we are able to tell our story and advance our commitment to the care and improvement of human life," she said.
Like all of the influential women in this piece, Carolyn also balances the joys of being a mother.
“Finding the right balance between family and professional life is key,” she added. “And that balance won't always be the same, but it's worth it.”
Michelle Bosworth, Vice President of Human Resources, Parkridge Health System
Michelle Bosworth, vice president of human resources for Parkridge Health, and the recipient of multiple industry credentials, is the first in her family to earn a Master of Science degree and assists others in navigating their careers.
“When you take the time to listen to someone's story, you're then able to encourage their goals and celebrate their success," she said.
Building and maintaining relationships at Parkridge Health helps create a more positive workplace culture.
Amy Whipple, Chief Nursing Officer, Parkridge Valley Hospitals
Amy Whipple, chief nursing offer of Parkridge Valley hospitals, ensures patients receive treatment in a setting that is good for their individual needs.
"Behavioral health care has evolved over the last several years. We focus on care for those who cannot advocate for themselves and consider it a sacred trust when people and families come to us when they are at their most vulnerable," she said.
Becky Carroll, Vice President of Operations, Parkridge East Hospital
Becky Carroll, vice president of operations at Parkridge East Hospital, has an eye for the bigger picture.
Her attention to detail and relationships built over her more than 20-year career with Parkridge Health allows her to lead the company strategically and fulfill its commitment to creating healthier tomorrows.
“I love to take on a new challenge and I like to think of change as an opportunity,” she said. “By looking for ways to collaborate with others, more goals can be reached.”
Lori Feltner, Chief Nursing Officer, Parkridge East Hospital
Lori Feltner, chief nursing officer of Parkridge East Hospital, looks for ways to empower those around her.
“We put a strong focus on the quality and safety of care we provide our patients,” she said. “In order to give them the best possible care, we work diligently to ignite the passion in our nurses.”
Lori says that is done by creating programs for nurses and supporting them to meet their career goals.
Courtney Dalton, Assistant Chief Financial Officer, Parkridge Health System
Courtney Dalton, assistant chief financial officer at Parkridge Health System, doesn't take her position lightly.
She understands how her role positively impacts patients and the care that our hospitals provide each and every day.
“Being able to collaborate with multiple leaders helps facilitate exceptional healthcare,” she said. “That is built on a foundation of inclusion, compassion and respect for our patients and for each other.”