Ballad Health announces Deborah Dover as chief human resources officer

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Ballad Health is pleased to announce that Deborah “Debbie” Dover has been tapped to serve as its new chief human resources officer and senior vice president of talent engagement. Dover joins Ballad Health with more than 20 years of experience in human resources. During this time, she has proven to be an effective communicator and a credible and successful developer of relationships and strategic partnerships.

“I am so excited to begin this new journey with Ballad Health and the people we serve,” said Dover. “Bringing two cultures together to build an organization centered around listening to our patients and their stories begins with listening to each other. I pledge that our talent management program will be built on that foundation. I can’t wait to get started.”

In her new role, Dover will lead efforts to ensure the desired culture and the values that are important to team members become integrated into every aspect of Ballad Health. She will also be responsible for setting the strategy and vision to ensure Ballad Health will attract and retain the type of workforce needed to deliver on its mission. 

Dover comes to Ballad Health from Memorial Healthcare in Owosso, Michigan, where she served as vice president of human resources. As vice president, Dover designed and executed strategic direction and operational oversight for all human resources functions. She was also a member of the health system’s executive team, and served as a key partner on major human resources and organizational initiatives.

Dover has held additional leadership positions in human resources at other healthcare organizations, both in hospitals and post-acute facilities. Her career path led through our region, as she served several years ago as a corporate director of human resources for Mountain States Health Alliance. Her familiarity with our region, its culture and the legacy organizations, combined with her years of experience in a variety of other settings, were important factors in her appointment.   

“Debbie is an expert in the human resources field, and is one of the most approachable and friendly people I’ve seen,” said Alan Levine, chairman and chief executive officer of Ballad Health. “She will contribute enormously to the culture we are trying to build.

“I also want to thank David Sensibaugh, who has served as interim vice president for human resources while we conducted our search. His extensive background in human resources and excellent leadership abilities enabled him to successfully transition the department through the initial stage of the merger.”

Sensibaugh – president and chief executive officer of Integrated Solutions Health Network, a subsidiary of Ballad Health – was asked to serve as the interim vice president of human resources until a permanent selection was made. He will return to Integrated Solutions Health Network to continue to lead the organization once he has helped Dover transition to her new role.

Dover received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Michigan University, and later earned her master’s degree in business administration from East Tennessee State University. 

She will join Ballad Health in late April.