Baptist Health former board chair Rickard recognized for healthcare leadership

Dennis Johnson presenting leadership award to James Rickard

James D. Rickard, Baptist Health board chairman during 2013 and 2014, was honored May 8 with the Kentucky Hospital Association’s Governance Leadership Award for “dedication in assuring the availability of healthcare and the viability” of Baptist Health.

Rickard, who remains a member of the Baptist Health board, is president and CEO of Community Bank Shares of Indiana in New Albany, Ind.

During his two-year term as Baptist Health board chairman, Rickard provided leadership during a time of dramatic growth, change and transition as long-time CEO Tommy Smith retired and Steve Hanson was tapped to lead the system of seven owned and one managed hospitals. A new electronic medical record vendor was selected and all employed physician groups folded into the Baptist Health Medical Group during his tenure.

The reception was held at the Kentucky Hospital Association’s annual convention in Lexington.