Ruth Portacci | 2022 SHSMD Leadership Excellence Award Recipient

Ruth Portacci is a health care professional, with a long history of experience in for-profit, non-profit and public hospitals. Ruth currently serves as the Vice President of Strategy for Ascension Saint Thomas where she is responsible for growth of the system’s portfolio with focused attention on the development and advancement of the Ministry’s strategic plan.  

Ruth is a clear representation of a skilled strategy, marketing and communications leader and it shows in her 30 years of service as a member with 9 years as a board member for SHSMD, including Board President in 2017. Ruth was also very instrumental in helping to shape one of SHSMD’s popular publications, Bridging Worlds, which remains one of the Society’s most important pieces of work.  

For more than 30 years in the health care industry, Ruth has generously shared her knowledge and expertise by writing, speaking, leading and mentoring. Ruth has mentored several strategists allowing them to grow into new roles and evolve in their careers.

Ruth’s compassion is not only in mentoring but it is also in community involvement in many non-profit charitable organizations that affect the lives of Middle Tennesseans. She is particularly interested in solving for food insecurity and for many years has supported food related projects through faith based and local agencies such as Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee for more than 10 years. Thanks to her efforts, in addition to her financial support, she is credited with providing more than 58,000 meals to children in need.

Help us celebrate Ruth on Monday, September 12 during the 2022 SHSMD Annual Conference in Washington, DC! Join us.