Tennessee Nurses Association Appoints New CEO
The board has named Dr. Martha Suttle Harris to lead the organization representing nurses across the state.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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The Tennessee Nurses Association has appointed Dr. Martha Suttle Harris as its new chief executive officer. Harris brings decades of nursing and leadership experience to the Nashville-based organization.
Why it matters
The appointment positions a veteran nursing administrator to oversee the state professional body that advocates for nursing standards and practice. Her leadership is expected to leverage her experience in securing educational funding and academic program management.
Dr. Harris has secured more than $5.3 million in grant funding for nursing education throughout her career. She brings over 30 years of experience to the role, having served as a registered nurse since 1992.
The players
Dr. Martha Suttle Harris
She is the newly appointed chief executive officer of the Tennessee Nurses Association and an inductee of the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education.
Tennessee Nurses Association
This professional organization is headquartered in Nashville and serves to support and represent the interests of registered nurses across Tennessee.
The details
Dr. Harris was selected for the CEO role by the board of the Tennessee Nurses Association following her tenure as the dean of nursing and allied health at Chattanooga State Community College. A member of the association since 2012, she previously served as president of TNA District 4.
Timeline
Harris began her career as a registered nurse in 1992.
She has been a member of the Tennessee Nurses Association since 2012.
Harris served as president of TNA District 4 from 2016 to 2020.
She began her role as dean of nursing and allied health in 2023.
Harris was inducted into the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education in 2024.
Market Landscape
The appointment of a leader recognized by the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education reflects a push for high-level academic and professional standards within the state. This move aligns with broader trends of elevating nursing leadership to address educational and practice gaps.
Nurses across the state may see shifts in the association's advocacy efforts and educational programming under new leadership. These changes could impact the resources and professional development opportunities available to members.
The takeaway
The appointment emphasizes the value placed on securing external funding for nursing education in the state. New members or those seeking leadership roles can look to this shift as a sign of the association's focus on academic professionalization.
Further reading
Learn more about the local professional environment in Tennessee Nursing Jobs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WGNSRadio.
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