HCA Healthcare
February 28, 2024

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Source: Nashville Post
Author: Hannah Herner
Date: February 28, 2024

HCA-managed hospital chain promotes Nick Howald during run of satellite locations

HCA Healthcare-owned TriStar Southern Hills has named Nick Howald CEO.

In his new role, Howald will oversee operations at the 136-bed hospital in South Nashville, located at 391 Wallace Road, as well as the TriStar Century Farms emergency room, an 11-bed freestanding emergency room in Antioch.

Howald replaces Drew Tyrer, who moved to serve as CEO of HCA Florida Westside Hospital in Plantation, Fla., after having worked in the role since 2022.

Howald most recently served as chief operating officer at TriStar Skyline Medical Center and previously held the same role at TriStar Hendersonville Medical Center. The University of Iowa alumnus started at TriStar Centennial Medical Center as an administrative fellow in 2015.

“He brings a strong track record of growth-oriented leadership with an unwavering commitment to excellent patient experience,” Mitch Edgeworth, president of HCA Healthcare TriStar Division, said of Howald. "His intentionality towards developing a positive culture will further enhance the strong colleague engagement that TriStar Southern Hills has built over the years. He will further build upon the hospital’s 40-year legacy of being a strong community partner for the south Nashville region.”

TriStar announced in March that it sought to build a freestanding emergency room in East Nashville, which caused conflict with the current site tenant, Shugga Hi Bakery owner Kathy Leslie (who has disputed the land sale in court). In April, TriStar Health also filed a letter of intent for a similar emergency department to be located in Nolensville.