Sovah Health announces the appointment of Tory Shepherd as the new market chief operating officer (COO), effective July 1. Shepherd, an accomplished healthcare executive with over 28 years of experience, previously served as chief executive officer (CEO) at Rutherford Regional Health System (RRHS) in Rutherfordton, North Carolina.
Shepherd’s return to Sovah Health marks a significant addition to the leadership team. Before serving as CEO of RRHS, Shepherd held numerous leadership roles at Sovah Health including assistant administrator, chief operating officer, and interim chief executive officer. During her tenure, she played a key role in expanding service lines such as Cardiology, Oncology, and Orthopedics while enhancing physician recruitment and achieving notable hospital growth.
Most recently, as CEO of RRHS, Shepherd led strategic initiatives that resulted in substantial service line growth and significant operational improvements. Under her leadership, the hospital achieved a CMS 4-star rating, Leapfrog ‘A’ Grade for Spring 2024, and multiple accreditations from The Joint Commission and other prestigious organizations.
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“We are pleased to welcome Tory back to Sovah Health,” said Steve Heatherly, market president of Sovah Health. “Her extensive experience and leadership in healthcare, specifically in our communities, will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission of making communities healthier.”
Shepherd holds a Master of Business Administration from Averett University and a Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University. She is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and serves on several boards, including the Board of Directors for Western North Carolina APHA, the Isothermal Community College Foundation, and the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. Shepherd has been recognized with several awards, including the 2023 LifePoint Health Eastern Division Operations Excellence Award, the 2023 LifePoint Health Eastern Division “Rookie of the Year” Award, and the 2021 Virginia Community College System Chancellor Award for Philanthropy.
In her new role as market COO, Shepherd will oversee the operational functions of Sovah Health’s facilities, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. Her expertise in strategic planning, physician recruitment, and service line development will be crucial in serving the needs of the hospitals’ patients and community members.
“I am honored to return to Sovah Health and contribute to the health and well-being of the southern Virginia community,” said Shepherd. “I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated team to further enhance our services and meet the evolving needs of our patients.”
