Highest-paid healthcare CEOs in the Nashville area — HCA chief is No. 1

Nashville Business Journal ranked the CEOs of public companies in the Nashville, Tenn., area based on 2019 compensation, and three healthcare executives were named among the top earners.

Advertisement

Nashville’s highest-paid healthcare CEOs:

1. Samuel Hazen (HCA Healthcare)
Total 2019 compensation: $26.8 million

2. Wayne Smith (Community Health Systems)
Total 2019 compensation: $8.1 million

3. Debra Osteen (Acadia Healthcare Co.)
Total 2019 compensation: $7.7 million

When compared to non-healthcare CEOs, Mr. Smith and Ms. Osteen were the No. 4 and No.5 highest-compensated executives, respectively.

More articles on healthcare: 
10 states with biggest health improvements amid pandemic
10 states with the most, fewest COVID-19 restrictions
Newsweek’s 11 best US hospitals 

Advertisement

Next Up in Leadership

  • From doubling down on patient experience to staying flexible, four ASC leaders joined Becker’s to share the best advice they’ve…

  • The ASC industry adapted to numerous disruptions in 2025, from regulatory barriers and reimbursement cuts to an ongoing workforce shortage.…

  • ASCs have emerged as a dynamic force within the healthcare industry, offering a more comfortable, convenient and affordable setting for…

Advertisement

Comments are closed.