Five Pillar Leader Award

January 8, 2026

Melynor Fraker leads by helping her team members become the best versions of themselves, ever expanding what a regional hospital staff can do for its community

As the first recipient of the newly rechristened C. Wright Pinson Award, Fraker’s outstanding leadership reflects the award’s tradition of recognizing those who move VUMC forward.

By Evan Dorian
March 12, 2025

Melissa Smith is dedicated to advancing care for trauma patients

“Melissa Smith is the heart and soul of the trauma program and is involved in every aspect of the oversight and functioning of the trauma service.”

By Jill Clendening
December 13, 2024

A second-career pediatric nurse, Jeremy Crawford finds his calling

Crawford employs his nursing and business backgrounds to support front-line staff in caring for children.

By Christina Echegaray
February 20, 2024

Vanessa Marlowe strives to create “caring connections” with patients and her colleagues

Marlowe recognized with VUMC Five Pillar Leader Award for her work

By Bill Snyder
September 13, 2023

Five Pillar Award recipient Gaye Smith on meetings, respect and one of her proudest accomplishments in 19 years at VUMC

“Respecting every human is essential to being a good human and a good manager.”

By Danny Bonvissuto
March 31, 2023

For Ali Grubbs, leadership means mentoring and empowering every employee

“My favorite part of this job is taking care of the people and engaging with our staff and helping them solve problems and achieve professional growth and development.”

By Matt Batcheldor
November 15, 2022

Lori Rolando sets an example of working hard but protecting work-life balance

For her work, the Occupational Health Clinic Director was recognized with a Five Pillar Leader Award.
By Jill Clendening
August 30, 2022

Terri Brady is driven to improve mental health services for children

"When you get up every day and know the work you do matters, and the people you work with feel the same way, it’s pretty easy to be inspired.”
By Nancy Humphrey
May 16, 2022

Lou Kaelin never asks her team to do a job she has not done herself.

“Her dedication and service to VUMC, her staff and her patients cannot be measured. I feel honored to have worked with her.”
By Emily Stembridge
March 1, 2022

Brent Moseng’s drive to support goes beyond his commitment to HealthIT

“What I do is help people...I love what I do. I see it as an honor to support my colleagues.”
By Jessica Pasley
December 28, 2021

Chad Fitzgerald experienced the pandemic from unique vantage point

"His steady voice and hand has modulated the emotional ups and downs each of us has experienced."
By Jill Clendening
September 3, 2021

For Kyla Terhune, communication, compassion and hard work are keys to successful leadership

Her balanced approached to leadership and focus on support for trainees amid a pandemic earned a Five Pillar Leader Award.
By Nancy Humphrey
June 9, 2021

VUMC’s Alex Jahangir became Nashville’s coronavirus czar, all while never missing a beat in his day job.

“He has served VUMC and our community as the coronavirus czar selflessly and voluntarily while not decreasing by one clinic visit or call night his load or work productivity.”