Former Erlanger CFO named to hospital's board of trustees

Erlanger Health System is located at 979 E. 3rd Street in Chattanooga.
Erlanger Health System is located at 979 E. 3rd Street in Chattanooga.

Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger has tapped former Erlanger executive Ken Conner to serve on the Erlanger Health System Board of Trustees.

Conner was Erlanger's chief financial officer from 1984 to 1997. Now he is the president and sole member of Conner Healthcare Group, where he works as an adviser, manager, analyst or coordinator for leaders in a variety of health care entities.

"While I have stayed in health care and I know some of the more global issues, I'm coming in brand new to the specifics to Erlanger," Conner said.

Conner, a certified public accountant, brings to the board a background in finance. He replaces Mike Griffin, the previous board chairman, a former banker and current president and CEO at the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. Griffin joined the Erlanger board in December 2011.

Coppinger's latest Erlanger board appointment marks a trend of new trustees with significant experience in the health care industry - a contrast from the more veteran officers on the board, which include a retired educator, businesswoman and judge.

"I think Ken is going to be able to bring a lot to the table based on his experience. We're really glad that he's willing to accept that appointment, and he can hit the ground running," Coppinger said. "I was definitely looking for someone that had a financial background, specifically, and I was elated that he had the hospital background, as well."

Conner was approved by the Hamilton County Commission at its Wednesday meeting.

He said he expects uncompensated care to be one of Erlanger's biggest obstacles, which is true of other hospitals across the industry.

"I think Erlanger is a kind of unique resource in the community with the trauma, children's, stroke and variety of other special services," Conner said. "Maintaining that level of care is important, but at the same time it's a challenge."

Contact Elizabeth Fite at efite@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6673.

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