Leadership takes many forms. Sometimes it means guiding a healthcare system through changing needs. Sometimes it means spending decades helping a town grow thoughtfully. And sometimes it means directing resources toward people who need a little extra help.
This week’s Let’s Talk: Leaders recognizes people and organizations working to make East Tennessee stronger.
Covenant Health welcomes new behavioral health leader
Covenant Health has named Gabriela “Gaby” Barth vice president of behavioral health services, bringing nearly a decade of experience in healthcare leadership to the East Tennessee health system.
Barth’s background includes hospital administration, physician relations, business development and strategic planning in both acute care and behavioral health settings.
Most recently, she served as an interim chief executive officer with Acadia Healthcare. She also completed the company’s CEO-in-Training program and held several other leadership positions.
A graduate of Tulane University, Barth holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in healthcare administration.
In her new role, Barth will help guide behavioral health services throughout Covenant Health, with an emphasis on patient care, operations and continued growth.
Mike Belbeck, Covenant Health’s executive vice president of operations, praised her experience and collaborative approach to leadership.
Barth said she was attracted to Covenant Health’s commitment to compassionate care and its mission of serving East Tennessee families.
Her appointment comes as access to behavioral healthcare remains an important concern for communities throughout the region.
Read the Covenant Health announcement.
Farragut’s Mark Shipley named Tennessee Planner of the Year
After 30 years helping shape the Town of Farragut, Mark Shipley has earned one of Tennessee’s highest professional planning honors.
Shipley, Farragut’s community development director, was named the 2026 Planner of the Year by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Planning Association.
The award was announced Oct. 13 during the organization’s fall conference in Chattanooga.
Shipley began his career with Farragut as assistant community development director and has helped guide the town through three decades of growth.
His contributions include expanding Farragut’s greenway system, improving pedestrian connections, protecting environmentally sensitive areas and encouraging development that reflects the town’s character.
He also helped establish a Utility Line Arboretum along part of the Grigsby Chapel Greenway and promoted the use of native plants and trees in landscaping plans.
Town Administrator David Smoak called the award a well-deserved recognition of Shipley’s dedication to Farragut.
The recognition reflects an important side of public leadership that often goes unnoticed: the long-term decisions that determine how a community looks, grows and functions.
Read the Town of Farragut announcement.
$120,000 in grants will support East Tennessee teens and veterans
Leadership also means recognizing needs and bringing people together to address them.
The East Tennessee Foundation and CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund have awarded $120,000 to 12 nonprofit organizations serving communities across East Tennessee.
The grants focus on two priorities: teen resilience and support for veterans.
Programs receiving assistance will help at-risk teenagers and young adults access mental health resources, educational opportunities and life-skills development.
Other grants will support veterans and their families through services that include housing assistance, job training and community reintegration.
The fund was established by Consolidated Nuclear Security, the contractor at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, to support community needs across a 20-county East Tennessee service area.
Its employee-based advisory committee helps identify funding priorities and recommend grants.
The latest awards demonstrate how collaboration among employees, charitable organizations and community leaders can turn financial resources into practical assistance.
Learn more about the CNS Y-12 Community Investment Fund.
Daily Connections — Thursday, Oct. 22
Today’s Motivation: Leadership isn’t always about having a title. Sometimes it’s simply noticing a need and being willing to do something about it.
Today in History: On Oct. 22, 1962, President John F. Kennedy addressed the nation about Soviet missile installations in Cuba and announced a naval quarantine. The televised speech came during the Cuban Missile Crisis, one of the most dangerous confrontations of the Cold War.
Tennessee Trivia: Oak Ridge was created during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project. Its scientific and technical legacy continues through the national laboratory and other research institutions that contribute to East Tennessee’s economy.
Today’s Smile: Why did the manager bring a pencil to the meeting? Because every great leader needs a point!
Local Connections: Looking for something to do today?
- The Knoxville History Project presents Town with a Dozen Accents with historian Jack Neely at James White Fort at 6 p.m. The program explores the diverse origins of Knoxville’s earliest residents.
- The McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture features Fashioning Ourselves: The Power of Clothing & Adornment. Admission is free.
- Find more activities through Visit Knoxville and the Knox County Public Library.
Stock Market: At Tuesday’s close, Oct. 20: Latest market updates.
Puzzles: Ready for a mental break? Try a crossword, Sudoku, word search or WordroW on KnoxTNToday. Select Puzzles from the website menu to play.
Let’s keep talking
Do you know someone making a difference in our community? We welcome ideas for Let’s Talk: Neighbors, Schools, Leaders and Outdoors.
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