Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Summit Medical Group

About the role:

The CEO leads Summit Medical Group, overseeing strategy and operations for this physician-owned, multi-site healthcare organization. Working with the Board, physicians, and executives, the CEO ensures operational excellence, financial stability, and growth. This role guides the organization through industry changes while maintaining patient-focused care and physician engagement and fosters collaboration and performance within the executive team.

Responsibilities:

· Lead Summit Medical Group’s strategic development, set objectives, track progress, and align with mission and vision.

· Act as liaison between the Board of Directors and executive leadership, ensuring clear communication and informed decisions.

· Enhance physician engagement and alignment by promoting collaboration and supporting professional growth initiatives.

· Oversee daily operations and develop strategies for immediate needs and long-term sustainability in a changing healthcare environment.

· Lead the transition to value-based care and population health, improving outcomes, managing costs, and meeting quality standards.

· Assess expansion opportunities through market analysis, risk evaluation, and strategic investment recommendations.

· Recruit, retain, and develop executive talent through rigorous hiring, mentorship, and advancement.

· Guide executive leadership to foster unity, accountability, and innovation, providing feedback and support.

· Represent Summit externally, building relationships and seeking collaboration with partners and stakeholders.

· Advise the Board with insights on operations and industry trends to shape governance and strategy.

Experience & Qualifications:

·       At least 10 years’ progressive leadership in healthcare, including 5 years in a senior executive role

·       Proven experience with multi-site medical groups or healthcare delivery organizations

·       Strong knowledge of outpatient and primary care models

·       Multispecialty experience with emphasis on primary care (strongly preferred)

·       Experience with multi-state operations (strongly preferred)

·       Participation in industry associations (AMGA, MGMA) preferred

·       Hospital system experience is an asset, but appreciation for physician-led outpatient settings required

·       Demonstrated success in strategic growth, M&A, or system integration

·       Solid financial skills and familiarity with value-based and risk-bearing care models

Education:

·       Bachelor’s degree required

·       Master’s in Healthcare Administration, Business, Public Health, or related field strongly preferred

·       Fellowship or executive leadership program experience preferred

Leadership Competencies:

·       Strategic thinker with the ability to drive execution

·       Strong, clear communicator across clinical and non-clinical audiences

·       Builds trust and demonstrates integrity in all interactions

·       Understands how to build and empower leadership teams

·       Comfortable making hard decisions with clarity and transparency

·       Able to lead through change while keeping teams grounded and aligned

·       Strengthens leadership alignment across teams while coaching and supporting peers toward shared goals

Management Scope:

The CEO directly oversees the Executive Team, including the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Chief Legal Officer (CLO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), and Chief Information Officer (CIO). The CEO also manages the Executive Assistant to the CEO and provides leadership direction to the Business Development team and strategic growth functions.

Work Environment:

This is a full-time, on-site executive leadership position based at Summit’s administrative headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee. The role requires frequent in-person engagement across clinical sites, board meetings, executive sessions, and physician settings. Candidates must be available for travel within the region and are expected to maintain a strong on-site leadership presence.

Location: Knoxville, TN

Reports to: Board of Directors  

Supervisory responsibility: (10) direct reports

Classification: Exempt (Salary) 

Department: Administration       

Hours:8am – 5pm (M-F)

For more information, Contact: Richard Ballard rballard@cokergroup.com