On Sunday, David Hogan, one of the most influential leaders our system has ever known, passed away after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
You may not know who David was or how much he contributed to our success, so I wanted to write this letter in tribute to him.
David began his 29-year Baptist career when Obion County General Hospital (now known as Baptist Union City) became affiliated with the Baptist Memorial Health Care system in 1982. He was the hospital’s administrator at the time, and he quickly distinguished himself as a visionary health care leader. His responsibilities grew to include oversight of other Baptist regional hospitals, and in 1994, he became a vice president. Four years later, he assumed the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer, a title he held until he retired in 2011.
David’s success as an executive is exemplified by the numerous important projects he oversaw. The Baptist Heart Institute at Baptist Memphis, Baptist Women’s Hospital and the Baptist Reynolds Hospice House all opened under his watch. He also green-lighted major expansion projects at Baptist DeSoto and Baptist Golden Triangle, led the creation of Baptist Medical Group and spearheaded the addition of NEA Baptist Hospital and the NEA Baptist Clinic to our system. These investments continue to pay dividends today.
As impressive as his professional accomplishments were, David was even more successful as a human being. He was a devoted man of God and a cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, colleague and friend.
I had the pleasure of working for and with David, and I had the unenviable task of succeeding him as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Thankfully, he was a gracious leader and mentor who was always willing to share his expertise and business acumen. I learned so much from him professionally and personally.
Even though we paid our final respects to David on Wednesday, his legacy lives on in all of us. His contributions are an integral part of our current success and are cornerstones of our future. He was a dedicated, humble servant leader who set a tremendous example for future Baptist leaders.
If you want to learn more about David or share your memories with me, please email me at jason.little@bmhcc.org. Thank you, and have a great day.
