Alive Welcomes Local Healthcare Leader as New CEO
Published on June 4, 2025
Middle Tennessee’s only nonprofit hospice provider ready to build on industry-leading reputation
Alive, Middle Tennessee’s only nonprofit provider of hospice, palliative care and end-of-life services, today announced Amir Hamad as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. He will begin his new role on June 30.
A healthcare executive with more than 20 years of experience, Hamad comes to Alive from Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West where he served as Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer overseeing over 1,800 employees and managing operations for one of the state’s top acute care hospitals.
Prior to joining Ascension, Hamad served in leadership roles in multiple HCA Healthcare facilities including HCA’s Parkridge East Hospital in Chattanooga, Tenn. and HCA Reston Hospital Center in Reston, Va.
“Amir is an agile leader – someone with the ability to navigate complex challenges swiftly and thoughtfully. This quality will be invaluable as we continue to adapt and grow in an evolving healthcare environment, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of care while advancing our organizational goals,” said Alive Board Chair Claire Cowart Haltom.
Hamad began his professional journey at age 15 when he became an EMT. He achieved his paramedic certification while also pursuing his education, eventually graduating with a B.S. in Nursing from Radford University and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Grantham University.
“For nearly 50 years, Alive has provided loving, high-quality end-of-life care to Middle Tennessee patients and their families,” said Hamad. “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead such a well-respected and critically important organization in the community. With Alive’s incredible team, I know we can evolve and grow to serve more patients and families in the many years to come.”
Hamad’s hiring comes as the beloved organization is gearing up to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in November. Alive was the first hospice established in America’s heartland and the third in the nation in 1975. It is the only nonprofit provider of hospice and palliative care and end-of-life services in Middle Tennessee. Today, it remains true to its roots as an innovator and leader, helping individuals live fully while approaching death.