Saint Thomas names new COO

Saint Thomas Health, Ascension's Tennessee ministry, has announced that Paul E. Cleckner will be joining the nine-hospital system as Chief Operating Officer. Cleckner, who comes to Saint Thomas Health from LifePoint Health, will begin his new role August 8, 2016.

Cleckner has significant experience in the financial services industry, serving in executive roles for Standard and Poor's, Deloitte and Touche, and Investment Scorecard where he served as President and COO. He began his healthcare career in 2006 when he was named Senior Vice President for Operational and Professional Services for Emdeon, the nation's largest healthcare revenue cycle solutions provider. This was followed by executive positions at North Highland Consulting and Medical Reimbursements of America before he joined LifePoint.

Cleckner holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trevecca Nazarene University and received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law.