Ascension Saint Thomas’ Robyn Morrissey Named a Becker’s Rising Star for Healthcare Leadership

Robyn Morrissey, Chief Strategy Officer for Ascension Saint Thomas, has been named to Becker's Healthcare's 2026 "Rising Stars: 188 Healthcare Leaders Under 40" list, recognizing emerging healthcare leaders who are making an impact across the industry.

Morrissey is recognized by Becker's for her leadership in strategic planning, market development and long-term growth initiatives for Ascension Saint Thomas, one of Tennessee's largest integrated health systems. In her role, she works across hospitals, ambulatory sites and physician partnerships to expand access to care, strengthen clinical service lines and guide capital planning across Middle Tennessee.

"Robyn brings a rare combination of strategic focus, collaboration with physicians, and ability to build partnerships." said Fahad Tahir, president and CEO of Ascension Saint Thomas. "She consistently looks beyond today's challenges to help us build a stronger health system for the future."

Before becoming chief strategy officer for Ascension Saint Thomas, she served as chief strategy officer for Ascension's ambulatory surgery centers, where she helped shape growth strategy for one of the nation's largest ambulatory surgery platforms.

Throughout her tenure, Morrissey's strategic leadership has driven major clinical expansions across Middle Tennessee, including the establishment of multiple Joint Ventures plus independent hospital partnerships. During the past four years under her leadership, the health system has added acute and ambulatory sites of care, expanding from 11 to 18 hospitals, while growing to 320 sites of care across Tennessee.

Earlier in her career, Morrissey served as system vice president for the neurosciences and orthopedics service lines, leading systemwide efforts to improve care delivery and strengthen physician alignment across multiple markets. Her accomplishments include founding the Ascension Saint Thomas Spine Institute, one of the largest complex spine programs in the region, and leading the growth of the Joint Replacement Institute to expand outpatient joint replacements. Additionally, she played a key role in helping Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West earn prestigious Comprehensive Stroke Center certification.

Her leadership has also been recognized locally. Morrissey was named to the Nashville Business Journal's "40 Under 40" list and recognized with a Nashville Business Journal Health Care Award as "One to Watch", for her professional accomplishments and regional community influence.

Becker's recognition comes as Ascension Saint Thomas continues to expand access to care and invest in health care services and facilities across Middle Tennessee. Morrissey plays a key role in helping guide that growth, aligning strategic priorities with the evolving needs of patients and communities.