Seasoned healthcare leader Bob Bender selected as chief financial officer of Ballad Health Northern Region

Bob Bender, an accomplished executive with more than 20 years of finance experience, has been selected to serve as chief financial officer of Ballad Health’s Northern Region.

Bender will oversee all the finances of the Northern Region, which covers the health system’s hospitals in Bristol, Kingsport and Southwest Virginia, including Bristol Regional Medical Center, Holston Valley Medical Center and Johnston Memorial Hospital.

In this new position, Bender will be responsible for ensuring the region’s financial stability, growth and strategic success. He will oversee budgetary processes and develop financial strategies to promote the long-term sustainability and success of the hospitals within his region.

"I am truly honored to serve as the chief financial officer for Ballad Health’s Northern Region. Having previously worked within the health system for eight years, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our team members and the positive impact we make on our communities,” Bender said. “I look forward to collaborating with our leadership and staff to ensure we continue delivering high-quality care while maintaining financial stability. It's a privilege to help guide the financial operations of such important institutions like Bristol Regional, Holston Valley and Johnston Memorial. Together, we’ll work toward strengthening the health of our region and the future of our healthcare system."

Bender has significant experience developing revenue and expense budgets, collaborating with clinical operations and implementing supply and expense management systems. During his tenure at Ballad Health, he earned an Excellence Award for implementing a project that generated $3 million in annual net revenue by focusing resources to drastically reduce the length of stay for medically and socially complex patients.

“Bob’s exceptional leadership and financial expertise make him an ideal choice to serve as chief financial officer of the Northern Region,” said Dr. Chad Couch, president of Ballad Health’s Northern Region.

“His proven track record of delivering results in his previous role demonstrates his ability to strategically manage resources and drive efficiency. Bob’s experience at Bristol Regional Medical Center and across multiple hospitals gives him unique insight into our system's financial needs. I am confident his commitment to excellence will help us navigate the complexities of healthcare finance while ensuring we continue to provide the highest level of care. We’re fortunate to have Bob’s leadership guiding our financial operations."

In his previous role, serving as chief financial officer of Ballad Health’s Northeast Region, Bender was responsible for the financial leadership of four hospitals with more than 500 licensed beds and 3,500 team members.

From 2016 until 2018, Bender served as chief financial officer of Bristol Regional, and prior to joining Ballad Health, Bender held several financial leadership roles at hospitals in Arizona, including Banner Casa Grande Medical Center and Banner Desert and Cardon Children’s Medical Centers.

Bob earned a bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Arizona State University, graduating magna cum laude, and gained his master’s degree from Grand Canyon University in 2014.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bender is committed to community involvement, serving as a board member for the Bristol TN/VA United Way and Beacon Financial Credit Union. Additionally, he volunteers as a musician for Discovery Church in Bristol.