Former Baptist Health Louisville board chair, hospital president honored by KHA
Three leaders with Baptist Health ties were recently honored by the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) at its Lexington convention.
(Louisville, KY) May 22, 2023 - KHA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award, was presented to two individuals: Larry Gray, president of Baptist Health Louisville, and Carl Herde, former Baptist Health chief financial officer. The award is presented for untiring and exceptional service to their hospital, community, the state, and KHA.
KHA’s Health Care Governance Leadership Award was awarded in honor of the late Tommy K. Elliott, who served on three Baptist Health boards, including chairing the Baptist Health Louisville administrative board. This award acknowledges individuals who have had a positive and sustainable impact on the quality of care in their communities through their work as governing board members.
Background
Gray joined Baptist Health as a clinical chaplain, becoming director of pastoral care in 1986. Throughout his 35-year-long career he also took on executive duties at Baptist Health Lexington, becoming vice president for System Support and Administrative Services. He was then named president of Baptist Health Corbin. Under his leadership there, the 273-bed hospital expanded and enhanced its services, including heart, cancer, women’s care, Neonatal Intensive Care, behavioral health, and addiction treatment. From there, Gray was named president of Baptist Health Louisville, leading the 519-bed hospital through the COVID-19 pandemic. Gray was acknowledged for his extensive vaccine efforts and leadership abilities when Louisville Business First named him a Healthcare Hero.
Herde is a seasoned finance executive whose career began at Touche Ross & Co., the predecessor firm of Deloitte & Touche in Louisville. He joined Baptist Health in 1984 as a controller, eventually serving as the chief financial officer and vice president during his 23 years with the system. In 2010, Business First recognized him with its CFO of the Year Community Service Award. After retiring from Baptist Health in 2016, Herde joined KHA as vice president of financial policy.
Both Gray and Herde’s many contributions to Kentucky hospitals and healthcare were lauded by their peers from across the state.
Mr. Elliot was a passionate advocate for Baptist Health and an admired community leader. Through this passion, he was committed to providing health equity for the people of Kentucky while serving on the Baptist Health Louisville administrative, Greater Louisville Foundation, and Baptist Health System boards from 2008 to 2022. He also served on multiple charitable organizations’ boards to further help the Commonwealth be a better place to live and thrive.
Mr. Elliot’s 40-year career spanned a wide range of financial services within the banking industry in Kentucky. He last served as senior vice president of Old National Bank in Louisville, where he led new commercial, investment, and retail business development, as well as directing marketing strategies and executing opportunities to grow Old National’s presence.
Mr. Elliot’s widow, Maryanne Honeycutt Elliott, accepted the award on his behalf. He was remembered and honored at the event for his dedication to the community and the patients of Baptist Health.