Memphis, Tenn., Jan. 14, 2002 - The Tennessee Hospital Association announced recently that Robert Gordon was honored with the organization's highest award, the 2001 Distinguished Service Award.

Gordon serves as the executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Baptist Memorial Health Care and is immediate past chairperson for THA. Previously, he served as chief operating officer and senior vice president at Baptist. Gordon began his career at Baptist as an administrative resident in 1977, became assistant vice president in 1981 and has also held the positions of vice president and first vice president.

Gordon has been an active member of THA since 1978, serving as board member from 1989 to 1991, at-large director from 1996 to 1998, chair-elect in 1998 and chairperson from 1999 to 2000.

"The depth of his expertise in the health care industry has made Bob indispensable to both Baptist Memorial Health Care and the Tennessee Hospital Association," said Stephen C. Reynolds, president and CEO of Baptist Memorial Health Care. "No one deserves the statewide recognition of the THA Distinguished Service Award more than Bob Gordon."

While serving as one of Baptist's chief strategists, Gordon is responsible for leadership and oversight of the critical support areas such as information systems, human resources, strategic planning, marketing and communications, managed care and legal matters.

One of the largest not-for-profit health care organizations in the country, Baptist is an integrated health care delivery system offering a full continuum of care to communities throughout Tennessee, Mississippi and Arkansas. Baptist is home to many world-renowned physicians, and the system has received numerous national awards, such as being among U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Hospitals." With the intention of caring for people close to their homes, the Baptist network consists of 17 hospitals; more than 2,700 affiliated physicians; home, hospice and psychiatric care; minor medical clinics; a chain of surgery, rehabilitation and other outpatient centers; and an education system highlighted by the Baptist College of Health Sciences.

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