News Summary
Healthcare leader Vicky Gregg has been inducted into the Tennessee Healthcare Hall of Fame for her groundbreaking contributions to the state’s healthcare system. At 70, she remains active in various roles, advocating for healthcare reform and gender equality in executive positions. Her career highlights include leadership roles at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and Erlanger Health System, where she played a pivotal role in improving patient care and organizational efficiency.
Chattanooga, TN – Vicky Gregg, a visionary healthcare leader and advocate, has been honored with induction into the Tennessee Healthcare Hall of Fame, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to the healthcare system in Tennessee. At 70 years old, Gregg continues to be involved in various roles as a healthcare consultant, chair of the Electric Power Board (EPB), trustee for Erlanger Health System, and board member for Quest Diagnostics and MyEyeDr.
Gregg has shattered multiple glass ceilings for women in the Southern United States, earning distinctions as the first female major market manager for Humana in Louisville, the first woman to ascend to the top executive role at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and the first female chair of Chattanooga’s EPB. Despite not initially aspiring for executive positions, Gregg’s focus has always been on enhancing organizational efficiency and improving patient care.
Throughout her career, Gregg has implemented transformative changes within Chattanooga’s healthcare landscape. During her tenure at BlueCross BlueShield, she played a pivotal role in developing managed care programs for Tennessee’s TennCare system. Her leadership also supported the expansion of EPB to feature the nation’s first community-wide high-speed Internet service. In her role at Erlanger Health System, she was instrumental in transitioning the facility from government ownership to an independent nonprofit healthcare organization.
Early Life and Education
Gregg’s background is rooted in a military family, resulting in frequent relocations across the nation before settling in Cleveland, TN. Early exposure to medical care through her family’s experiences, particularly her aunt’s role as a caretaker, sparked her interest in nursing. She acquired her nursing degree at Erlanger Hospital, marking the beginning of a remarkable career in healthcare.
Career Path
Gregg began her professional journey as an emergency room nurse and later contributed to establishing the dialysis unit at Erlanger. Her career progressed as she worked on Medicare policy changes in the late 1970s, which led to her involvement with managed care and health policy innovations. Her time at Humana was marked by efforts to enhance quality control and cost efficiency, driving managed care initiatives across multiple states.
In 1996, Gregg was recruited by Tennessee Governor Ned McWherter to launch BlueCross’s TennCare program. Under her leadership as CEO from 2003 to 2012, the company saw significant growth, achieving over 60% of the commercial market share. Post-retirement, she continued her commitment to healthcare reform through her participation in various boards and discussions.
Awards and Recognition
Gregg’s contributions have garnered numerous accolades. She has been recognized as Chattanooga Manager of the Year in 2005, named a Woman of Distinction in 2009, and included in Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Women in Healthcare. Other honors include the Health Ethics Fellow of the Trust and the honorary Alumni Award from Vanderbilt School of Nursing.
Advocacy and Personal Life
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Gregg actively advocates for increased gender equality in executive roles, acknowledging it as an ongoing challenge. Her personal life includes residence in North Chattanooga with her husband, Dr. Fred Gregg, a retired ophthalmologist. Gregg has also served on national boards, including as chair of America’s Health Insurance Plans and during her tenure as chair of TriZetto during its sale to Cognizant in 2014.
Vicky Gregg’s induction into the Tennessee Healthcare Hall of Fame serves as a testament to her profound impact on the healthcare system and her continued commitment to advocacy within the field.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Activist Saves Life of Conservative Columnist
Chattanooga State Community College Nursing Program Achieves National Recognition
Chattanooga Welcomes Back Mayor Tim Kelly
Chattanooga Sparks Housing Debate with Competing Bills in Tennessee
Chattanooga Community Unites in Remembrance of Four Lives
Alexia Poe Revives Poe Consulting LLC in Nashville
Harrow, Inc. Expands Headquarters in Nashville
Tennessee Appoints Kristin Darby as New Chief Information Officer
Chattanooga Experiences Surge in New Business Growth
Tennessee’s Economic Growth: 10 Fortune 500 Companies in 2024
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Vicky Gregg – Breaking the Glass Ceiling
- Wikipedia: Vicky Gregg
- Chattanoogan: Erlanger Board Member Vicky Gregg
- Google Search: Vicky Gregg
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga’s EPB Fills Key Strategic Initiatives
- Google Scholar: Vicky Gregg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthcare Leadership
- Google News: Erlanger Health System
- Times Free Press: Erlanger Officials Celebrate Future
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
