Centennial Medical Center officials announced today that CEO Thomas Herron will retire from TriStar Health and HCA after 44 years in the health care industry. The retirement is effective Dec. 31.

“I have planned for this day since I began my career in health care 44 years ago,” Herron said in a release. “I’m thankful and blessed that I am able to retire after a rewarding career working with the best medical professionals and support personnel that our industry has to offer.”

Since assuming the role of CEO at TriStar Centennial in 2006, Herron has overseen and led his team through a major expansion of the medical center’s services while upgrading its facilities.The hospital has added 71 licensed beds, renovated the TriStar Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, expanded its women’s and children’s service lines at the recently renamed TriStar Centennial Women’s & Children’s hospital, and opened Middle Tennessee a heart and vascular center.

Under Herron’s leadership, TriStar Centennial received numerous service and quality accolades, including being ranked second among HCA facilities for patient satisfaction and being named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals® by Thomson Reuters three times.

“Tom has also built and led a team that includes a medical staff with world-renowned physicians, highly trained medical professionals, and dedicated support staff that continue making TriStar Centennial a leader in our industry,” said Steve Corbeil, president of TriStar. “He leads by example and fosters an environment of compassionate and quality care focusing on the entire patient experience.”