Hear the latest WGNS Podcast with Gordon Ferguson HERE.

Murfreesboro, Tenn. - The May, 2025 Heart for Healing honoree is Gordon Ferguson. After more than two decades of dedicated service, Gordon B. Ferguson, FACHE, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, is retiring at the end of June 2025. This marks the conclusion of a 27-year career at the hospital, 19 of which he served as president and CEO. He was the special guest on the WGNS; Action Line Monday morning (5/12/2025). 

Ferguson said, “I was fortunate to join the hospital in 1998 after learning about the great work happening here. From the very beginning, I could see the deep commitment to the community, and I wanted to be a part of it.”

His career here in Murfreesboro began as a senior vice president, he eventually rose through the ranks, becoming interim CEO in 2005.

Gordon commented, “Those early years taught me so much about the strength of our team, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

Ferguson said, “One of the most significant opportunities I faced as CEO was securing approval to build the new hospital. It took a lot of meetings and persuasion to make the vision a reality. But looking back, opening the new campus and seeing it thrive 15 years later is one of my proudest achievements.” 

Under his leadership, the hospital experienced unprecedented growth, most notably in 2010, when the former Middle Tennessee Medical Center transitioned from Highland Avenue to its current location on Medical Center Parkway. This move expanded the hospital campus to 80 acres, leading to the addition of more than 200 beds and the introduction of high-acuity programs, including the launch of cardiovascular surgery in 2023.

A highly coordinated move of 127 patients from the old hospital to the new one was made on Oct. 2, 2010. A longtime friend, Dr. Jim Boerner (OB/GYN), delivered the last baby at the old Highland Avenue hospital. And for the rest of the story—when Boerner got home he went to bed, but received a morning call for another delivery at the new location. As a result, Dr. Boerner not only delivered the last baby at the old facility, but the first baby in the new Murfreesboro Medical Clinic (now called Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital). Jim passed away April 9, 2021.  

In 2023, Ferguson’s leadership also oversaw the opening of Westlawn Hospital, Tennessee’s first neighborhood hospital, featuring a full-service 24/7 emergency department, inpatient care, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory services. These advancements have solidified Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford’s role as a leading healthcare provider in the region.

Throughout his career, Ferguson has been recognized for his exceptional leadership and dedication to healthcare. His accolades include being named one of the top 25 hospital operators in Tennessee, Healthcare Hero by the Nashville Business Journal, along with the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce’ Business Person of the Year in 2010 and Business Legend in 2018, honored numerous times over those 26-years by WGNS, DNJ’s Person of the Year in 2010. Ferguson’s impact extends beyond the healthcare industry - he is a valued and well-respected leader and community member in Rutherford County serving on the State Board of Education from 2016 through 2022.

“Gordon’s heart and soul are totally committed to the community. He is a passionate advocate to expand services and his impact far exceeds the walls of the hospital - he is an admired and well-respected community leader in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County,” Fahad Tahir, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas, said. “I continue to be excited about the future of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford, having served the community for nearly a century. As we look forward, Gordon’s inspiration and our clinical program and capital expansion plans will continue to bring compassionate, excellent care to our patients for years to come.”

Ferguson concluded, “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, especially my granddaughter, and activities I enjoy such as swimming, cycling, boating and yard work. It’s a new chapter, and I’m excited about the opportunities it will bring.”

 Gordon Ferguson has transitioned into the role of vice president of Community Relations for the next year, focusing on strengthening the hospital’s community partnerships and philanthropic initiatives.

As reported earlier on WGNS, a few days ago, Daphne David became the new president and chief executive officer at Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.