Tennessee Nurses Association Names New Chief Executive
The appointment of Dr. Martha Suttle Harris signals a focus on nursing education and state-level workforce advocacy.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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The Tennessee Nurses Association has appointed Dr. Martha Suttle Harris as its new chief executive officer. Harris brings over three decades of clinical and academic leadership to the role, which influences nursing advocacy and education policy across the state.
Why it matters
The leadership change at the state’s primary nursing organization signals a potential shift in education funding priorities and workforce advocacy for Tennessee healthcare operators. Harris's background in securing millions for nursing development suggests a continued focus on closing local staffing gaps.
Dr. Harris brings 30 years of nursing experience and a track record of securing $5.3 million in grant funding for education. These figures establish a focus on resource acquisition for the state's nursing workforce.
The players
Tennessee Nurses Association
A professional membership organization that provides advocacy, education, and representation for registered nurses throughout Tennessee.
Dr. Martha Suttle Harris
The newly appointed chief executive officer of the Tennessee Nurses Association with extensive experience in nursing education and clinical practice.
The details
The Tennessee Nurses Association board selected Harris to oversee the organization after her tenure as dean of nursing and allied health at Chattanooga State Community College. In her previous capacity, she prioritized capital investment in clinical training, a move that directly impacted the pipeline of nursing talent. Her new role involves leading state-level advocacy and professional support for registered nurses across Tennessee.
Timeline
1992: Harris began her career as a registered nurse.
2012: Harris began her membership with the Tennessee Nurses Association.
2016-2020: Harris served as president of TNA District 4.
2023: Harris began her role as dean of nursing and allied health at Chattanooga State Community College.
2024: Harris was inducted as a Fellow of the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education.
Market Landscape
The appointment elevates a recent inductee of the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education to a key administrative role. This move aligns with broader efforts to integrate clinical education standards into state-level nursing advocacy.
Healthcare operators should monitor the Tennessee Nurses Association for upcoming changes to state-wide training initiatives and recruitment standards. Leaders overseeing nursing departments should prepare for potentially new grant-focused educational partnerships in the coming fiscal year.
The takeaway
The appointment of a proven grant-winner signals that administrative focus will remain on securing capital for nursing education. Operators should track the Association’s policy agenda for upcoming shifts in nurse certification and education requirements.
Further reading
For broader trends affecting local medical staff recruitment, see Nursing Jobs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGNSRadio.
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