After more than two decades of dedicated service, Gordon B. Ferguson, FACHE, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, has announced his decision to retire, effective at the end of June 2025. This marks the conclusion of a 26-year career at the hospital, 19 of which he served as president and CEO.
“I was fortunate to join the hospital in 1998 after learning about the great work happening here,” Ferguson said reflecting on his journey with Ascension. “From the very beginning, I could see the deep commitment to the community, and I wanted to be a part of it.” Starting as a senior vice president, he eventually rose through the ranks, becoming interim CEO in 2005. “Those early years taught me so much about the strength of our team, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
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.
“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," Ferguson said. "But looking back, opening the new campus and seeing it thrive 14 years later is one of my proudest achievements. Our mission has always been to grow alongside our community, ensuring that we provide the services and care Rutherford County needs.” I also appreciate the opportunity I was given in 2015 to oversee our regional facilities for five years as they became integrated into our system of care.
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.
“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.”
When asked about his post-retirement plans, Ferguson said, “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.”