MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - The Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation will celebrate philanthropic excellence at its 19th annual Rutherford Society Gala on March 21, 2026 at 6 p.m. under the stars at Five Senses Restaurant. The event will feature an evening with Atlanta Braves legends Chipper Jones, Hall of Fame third baseman; Dale Murphy, two-time MVP outfielder; and John Smoltz, Hall of Fame pitcher.

The gala recognizes Rutherford Society members who contribute $1,000 or more annually to the foundation and highlights individuals whose leadership and generosity strengthen healthcare and the community.

This year, the Foundation will recognize Gordon and Cindy Ferguson with the Dr. Liz Rhea Philanthropist Award, and Dr. Jim Rungee with the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation Physician Champion Award.

Cindy and Gordon Ferguson: Decades of Impact Through Healthcare and Service

Gordon and Cindy Ferguson have devoted decades to advancing healthcare, education and community service in Middle Tennessee. Gordon served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital from 2006 to 2025. During his tenure, he led major initiatives, including the $267 million hospital replacement project, expanding bed capacity, establishing physician joint ventures and introducing state-of-the-art services such as the implementation of an open heart surgery program. Gordon is a Life Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on numerous local boards, including the Rutherford County American Heart Association Board, Alive Hospice Advisory Board, Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, Rutherford County School Foundation Board and the University of Tennessee College of Nursing Advisory Board. He was also appointed to serve on the State of Tennessee Board of Education from 2016 to 2022.

Cindy Ferguson recently retired after 38 years as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), serving both medical and educational communities. She spent the majority of her career in public schools, supporting children with communication disorders in Clarksville/Montgomery County and Murfreesboro City Schools. Cindy also taught and mentored future SLP’s as an adjunct professor at Middle Tennessee State University. She remains actively engaged in local initiatives, serving as President of Charity Circle of Murfreesboro and volunteering with the Martha Ministry at First United Methodist Church.

Together, the Fergusons have made a lasting difference by combining Gordon’s healthcare leadership with Cindy’s commitment to education and community engagement. Their efforts have been recognized with honors such as the United Way’s Witherspoon Society Award in 2020. The couple, married 37 years, enjoys spending time with their two sons, two daughters-in-law and granddaughter, reflecting a shared commitment to family as well as community.

Dr. Jim Rungee: Service Through Medicine and Leadership

Dr. Jim Rungee is a recently retired physician with Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance whose career reflects a long-standing commitment to leadership, clinical excellence and the Murfreesboro community. After completing medical school at the University of Tennessee and orthopaedic training at Tripler Army Medical Center, he served in the U.S. Army, including deployments to Somalia and Ethiopia. Following his military service, Dr. Rungee returned to Murfreesboro and helped grow Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance. He served as Chief of Surgery from 2001–2002 and Chief of Staff from 2003–2005, leaving a lasting impact on healthcare in the region.

About Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital

Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro is a nationally recognized hospital offering comprehensive specialty care, including heart and vascular, orthopedics, maternity and women’s health, cancer care, and emergency services. The hospital is a regional leader, delivering more babies and performing more joint replacements than any other facility in the area, and features a Level III Trauma Center and Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center for severe injuries and time-sensitive conditions. Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford expanded its Critical Care Unit by 18 beds and added a new ambulance bay as part of a $42 million project. The expansion increases capacity from 32 to 50 beds and is part of a larger long-term investment to include new high-acuity service lines including cardiac surgery, complex cardiology, and neurosciences in the rapidly growing region.