ACC Announces New CEO

Timothy W. Attebery, MBA, FACHE, will take the helm of the ACC starting Sept. 1 as its next chief executive officer (CEO).

Attebery comes to the ACC from Ballad Health in Kingsport, TN, where he served as president and CEO of Holston Valley Medical Center since 2013. At Ballad Health, Attebery led the large, tertiary referral center and teaching hospital under a model focused on patient safety, quality, service, collaboration with the medical staff, employee engagement, efficiency and equity.

“We are excited to have Tim take the helm of the College at the same time that we begin the process of implementing our next Strategic Plan,” said ACC President C. Michael Valentine, MD, FACC.

“As a CV Administration member of the ACC, he brings with him a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the cardiovascular service line at a time when health care continues to undergo massive change. His commitment to patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, professionalism and excellence is also aligned with the College’s core values and will help to ensure we achieve our mission of transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health.” Read More >>>

Prior to his current position at Ballad Health, Attebery held the position of system vice president of cardiovascular services from 2010 to 2013. He also served as CEO of Cardiovascular Associates, P.C., also in Kingsport; CEO of South Carolina Heart Center, P.A., in Columbia; and CEO of the Heart Group, P.C., in Evansville, IN. In addition, he has served in leadership positions on the boards of the Cardiology Advocacy Alliance and the Cardiology Leadership Alliance, as well as played a key role in the development of MedAxiom.

“Tim comes to the ACC with 30 years of experience in nearly every aspect of the cardiovascular service line,” said ACC Immediate Past President Mary Norine Walsh, MD, MACC, who chaired the CEO Search Committee. “This experience will translate well as we move toward implementing the College’s strategic priorities, including increasing the College’s relevance as the cardiovascular professional home, advancing quality, equity and value of cardiovascular care, and ensuring continued organizational growth and sustainability.”

Attebery holds a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Haslam College of Business, and is completing a Doctorate Degree in Health Service Administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

“It is an absolute privilege for me to join the ACC,” Attebery said. “I look forward to working with the College’s outstanding members and staff as we execute the Board’s vision and strategic imperatives. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead to help cardiovascular professionals around the world optimize their performance and bring more value to their patients.”

Attebery was chosen as CEO following a six-month nationwide search led by executive search firm, Korn/Ferry International. During the search period, Cathleen C. Gates, ACC’s chief operating officer has served as interim CEO for the College’s more than 500 staff.

<<< Return to Top

ACC Awards First HeartCARE Center Designation

The ACC recently recognized CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital — Tyler in Tyler, TX, as the first recipient of the HeartCARE Center, a National Distinction of Excellence program, for its demonstrated commitment to comprehensive, high-quality culture and cardiovascular care through accreditations and ongoing registry reporting.

The hospital met a set of criteria to earn the HeartCARE Center designation, including participation in at least two ACC Accreditation Services programs, NCDR programs, and targeted quality improvement campaigns. The facility was previously awarded Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation and Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation by ACC Accreditation Services. The new designation is the highest recognition hospitals can receive from the College.

“CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital — Tyler achieved this elite status through their outstanding commitment to deliver quality heart care for their patients, providers and other stakeholders in Tyler,” said Phillip Levy, MD, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board.

Earn European CME Credit With JACC

Clinicians can now earn European Continuing Medical Education (ECME) credits by completing online activities for select Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) articles. The Journal is offering two ECME credits per month upon successful completion of related self-assessment questions for each article.

In total, JACC Journals now offer 84 dual CME/MOC credits per year with activities available for all six JACC Journals, and 24 ECME credits per year. ECME credits will likely be offered for JACC specialty journals in the future. Visit ACC.org/JACCECME to see certified activities.