On September 22, 2025, Hillcrest Healthcare kicked off its “Everyone Matters Week,” which celebrates the dedicated healthcare professionals who serve its communities and families in East Tennessee. The leadership team gathered to engage in the Pat Summitt Definite Dozen Leadership Program at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. This program is followed by twelve lessons that are inspired by the late legendary University of Tennessee Women’s Basketball Coach Pat Summitt and are designed to instill timeless leadership values that translate across all industries.
The day was an immersive experience of team-building, reflection, and growth. Participants toured the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, gaining a deeper understanding of the history and legacy of women’s basketball while exploring how the Definite Dozen leadership principles can be applied to their professional roles.
“This is really important for us and really exciting. One of the initiatives that we’ve taken is leadership education and we’re proud to partner with the Pat Summitt Leadership Group for this program,” said Barry Davis, President and CEO of Hillcrest Healthcare.
A standout moment of the program was an inspiring presentation by Joan Cronan, who served as the Women’s Athletic Director at the University of Tennessee from 1983 to 2012. Working alongside Coach Summitt, Cronan helped transform women’s basketball, establishing the Lady Vols as a national powerhouse and a global leader in women’s athletics. She shared compelling stories of Coach Summitt’s enduring legacy and highlighted the “3 C’s” of leadership: competitiveness, confidence, and communication. Cronan left participants with a lasting reminder: “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
For Hillcrest Healthcare, this experience was an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our leadership team. The insights and lessons gained will guide how we lead, collaborate, and drive impact across the organization, ensuring our work continues with courage, discipline, and heart.
For more information about Hillcrest Healthcare, learn more here.