Nashville Health Care Council Evolves into Independent Organization after 30 Years      HCA’s Sam Hazen to serve as Inaugural Board Chair   

 NASHVILLE, Tenn., December 19, 2025–  The Nashville Health Care Council (the Council) announced today that it will become an independent organization effective January 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of Nashville’s healthcare industry.  

Founded in 1995 to help expand Nashville’s prominence as an economic center for healthcare services, the Council has grown into a nationally recognized convener of healthcare executives, investors, and innovators. While the Council has long operated with its own board of directors and independent programming, this transition reflects the organization’s continued maturation and expanding national influence. 

Sam Hazen, Chief Executive Officer of HCA Healthcare, will serve as the first Board Chair of the independent Council. Hazen, who has served on the Board’s Executive Committee since 2023, will serve a two-year term in the position.  

“For three decades, the Council has helped shape the narrative of Nashville as a center point for the healthcare industry,” said Hazen. “I’m honored to help lead the organization into this next phase as it continues to elevate Nashville’s role as the Healthcare City.” 

Apryl Childs-Potter will serve as Chief Executive Officer of the newly independent Council. Childs-Potter has served as president of the Council since 2022. Under her leadership, the organization has launched the Nashville Healthcare Sessions Conference and expanded the DC Delegation program. 

“This transition reflects the strength of the Council today and the opportunity ahead,” said Childs-Potter. “Becoming an independent organization allows us to build on the momentum we’ve created while remaining deeply connected to the broader Nashville business and civic community.” 

The Council’s independence will enable expanded programming tailored to leaders across the healthcare ecosystem and a renewed focus on strategic priorities aimed at growing awareness for Nashville as a destination for healthcare companies, talent and investment.  

“The Chamber has always been an incubator for organizations like the Council. This separation follows thoughtful, long-term planning by both organizations and reflects a shared view that independence is the natural next step in the Council’s lifecycle,” said Stephanie Coleman, President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Council and the Chamber will continue to maintain a strong and collaborative relationship.” 

“This transition is not a departure from our roots, but a reflection of how far Nashville’s healthcare community – and the Council- has grown,” said Childs-Potter. 

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Media Contact: Sarah Maxwell

VP, Brand and Operations

Nashville Health Care Council

smaxwell@healthcarecouncil.com

Footnote: 
 

Near-term priorities include formalizing two cohort programs piloted in 2025 – the Council Executive Forum, for seasoned executive leaders, and Healthcare Foundations, targeted at rising professionals. The organization will also continue its tradition of hosting premier gatherings, including its longtime Wall Street’s Views on the Prospects for the Healthcare Industry signature event this February. This year’s panel of leading healthcare financial analysts will be moderated by HealthStream CEO Bobby Frist.  

About the Nashville Health Care Council 

The Nashville Health Care Council strengthens and elevates Nashville as The Healthcare City. With a $72.1 billion economic impact and 372,160 jobs locally, Nashville’s healthcare ecosystem is a worldclass healthcare hub. Founded in 1995, the Council serves as the common ground for the city’s vibrant healthcare cluster, offering engagement opportunities where the industry’s most influential executives come together to exchange ideas, share solutions, build businesses and grow leaders. For more information, visit www.healthcarecouncil.com. 

For more information on the Council, please visit www.healthcarecouncil.com. 

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