East Tennessee leaders received notable recognition this week, highlighting the region’s commitment to compassionate care, thoughtful growth, and community support.

Covenant Health strengthens behavioral health leadership

Gabriela “Gaby” Barth has been appointed vice president of behavioral health services for Covenant Health. Barth brings nearly a decade of experience in hospital administration, physician relations, business development, and strategic planning across both acute‑care and behavioral‑health settings. Most recently she served as interim chief executive officer of Acadia Healthcare and completed the company’s CEO‑in‑Training program.

A Tulane University graduate with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health‑care administration, Barth will oversee patient care, operations, and growth of behavioral health services throughout the Covenant system. Executive vice president of operations Mike Belbeck praised her collaborative approach and extensive background, noting that her leadership aligns with Covenant’s mission to provide compassionate care for East Tennessee families.

Farragut planner honored for three decades of service

Mark Shipley, Farragut’s community development director, was named the 2026 Planner of the Year by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Planning Association. The award, announced at the organization’s fall conference in Chattanooga, recognizes Shipley’s three‑decade tenure guiding the town’s growth.

Since joining Farragut as assistant community development director, Shipley has expanded the town’s greenway system, improved pedestrian connections, protected environmentally sensitive areas, and promoted development that reflects the community’s character. He also helped establish a Utility Line Arboretum along the Grigsby Chapel Greenway and championed the use of native plants in landscaping plans. Town Administrator David Smoak called the honor a well‑deserved acknowledgment of Shipley’s dedication.

Y‑12 fund supports teens and veterans across East Tennessee

The East Tennessee Foundation and the CNS Y‑12 Community Investment Fund awarded $120,000 to twelve nonprofit organizations serving the region’s 20‑county service area. Grants focus on two priorities: teen resilience and veteran support.

Funding for teens will help at‑risk youth access mental‑health resources, educational opportunities, and life‑skill development programs. Grants for veterans will provide housing assistance, job‑training, and community‑reintegration services for veterans and their families.

The fund was created by Consolidated Nuclear Security, the contractor at the Y‑12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. An employee‑based advisory committee identifies funding priorities and recommends awardees, demonstrating how collaboration among industry workers, charitable groups, and local leaders can translate financial resources into practical assistance.

Why these stories matter

Strong leadership in health care, thoughtful community planning, and targeted charitable giving all reinforce the values that make East Tennessee a vibrant place to live and raise families. By investing in behavioral health, preserving the town’s character, and supporting those who have served our nation, local leaders are building a safer, healthier, and more resilient community for generations to come.

Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.