Rita Bunch is looking forward to getting integrated in the Hamilton County community in her new role as vice president and CEO of Erlanger East and North hospitals.
Beginning Monday, Bunch will lead the strategic growth and development of services at both facilities, according to a news release.
Tyler Winks, Erlanger’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in the news release that the hospital is excited to welcome Bunch to the team.
“Rita’s leadership and innovation, particularly in expanding services and improving patient care, aligns perfectly with our mission to provide exceptional health care to our community,” he said. “We look forward to the fresh perspectives and strategic vision she will bring.”
Bunch said in a phone interview that both hospitals are looking to grow their campuses. She and her team are in the process of developing a vision for the locations.
Previously, she served as president at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia. While there, she opened new locations and spearheaded the restructuring of the hospital’s emergency department, according to the release.
(SIGN UP: Get today’s Chattanooga area news, sports and entertainment directly to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletters at timesfreepress.com/newsletters.)
With decades of experience under her belt, Bunch highlighted her ability to connect with people as a strength in her new role.
“I have 27 years in health care operations,” she said. “That has prepared me to be able to look at service lines objectively, where we need to grow, what community hospitals should be doing, and looking for opportunities to better serve this community.”
Bunch is originally from Claiborne County, Tennessee, and she said she was excited to return home to the Volunteer State.
“I am extremely interested in the health care and the wellness of Tennesseans,” she said. “I’m committed to providing that exceptional care that Erlanger is already known for. I’m just looking forward to getting integrated into the community.”
Contact Leah Hunter at lhunter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6673.