Timothy W. Attebery, MBA, FACHE, has been selected as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of the ACC, effective Sept. 1.

“We are excited to have Tim take the helm of the College at the same time that we begin the process of implementing our next Strategic Plan,” said ACC President C. Michael Valentine, MD, FACC. “As a CV Administration member of the ACC, he brings with him a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the cardiovascular service line at a time when health care continues to undergo massive change. His commitment to patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, professionalism and excellence is also aligned with the College’s Core Values and will help to ensure we achieve our mission of transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health.”

Attebery comes to the ACC from Ballad Health in Kingsport, TN, where he has served as president and CEO of Holston Valley Medical Center since 2013. At Ballad Health, Attebery has effectively led the large, tertiary referral center and teaching hospital under a model focused on patient safety, quality, service, collaboration with the medical staff, employee engagement, efficiency and equity. 

“Tim comes to the ACC with 30 years of experience in nearly every aspect of the cardiovascular service line,” said ACC Immediate Past President Mary Norine Walsh, MD, MACC, who chaired the CEO Search Committee. “This experience will translate well as we move toward implementing the College’s strategic priorities, including increasing the College’s relevance as the cardiovascular professional home, advancing quality, equity and value of cardiovascular care, and ensuring continued organizational growth and sustainability.”

Prior to his current position at Ballad Health, Attebery held the position of system vice president of cardiovascular services from 2010 to 2013. He also served as CEO of Cardiovascular Associates, P.C., also in Kingsport; CEO of South Carolina Heart Center, P.A., in Columbia; and CEO of the Heart Group, P.C., in Evansville, IN. In addition, he has served in leadership positions on the boards of the Cardiology Advocacy Alliance and the Cardiology Leadership Alliance, as well as played a key role in the development of MedAxiom.

Attebery holds a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Haslam College of Business, and is completing a Doctorate Degree in Health Service Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“It is an absolute privilege for me to join the ACC,” Attebery said. “I look forward to working with the College’s outstanding members and staff as we execute the Board's vision and strategic imperatives. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead to help cardiovascular professionals around the world optimize their performance and bring more value to their patients.”

Attebery was chosen as CEO following a six-month nationwide search led by executive search firm, Korn/Ferry International. During the search period, Cathleen C. Gates, ACC’s chief operating officer, has served as interim CEO for the College’s more than 500 staff.

“The BOT thanks Cathy for her leadership over the last six months as the CEO search took place,” says Walsh. “As testament to her efforts, the College hasn’t missed a beat in both its day-to-day efforts to meet the needs of cardiovascular professionals worldwide, as well as its efforts to strategically prepare for the future.”

Keywords: Professional Role, Patient Safety, Leadership, Hospitals, Teaching, Health Services Administration, Patient-Centered Care, Medical Staff

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