LewisGale Hospital Alleghany announces new chief executive officer
LewisGale Hospital Alleghany, part of HCA Virginia, is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Kellison Tucker to the position of chief executive officer (CEO). With over a decade of experience at the Alleghany facility, Tucker was recently promoted from interim to permanent CEO.
As the hospital’s chief executive officer, Tucker is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the 205-bed facility in Low Moor, which offers a wide range of healthcare specialties including access to cancer treatment, emergency medicine, cardiovascular care, orthopedics, ophthalmology and general surgery. She will play a crucial role in expanding the hospital’s services and attracting and retaining top talent to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the Alleghany Highlands community and beyond.
“I was born and raised in this area and am truly honored to lead and represent this hospital and my colleagues in a community that is near and dear to my heart,” Tucker said. “I know and understand the needs of this area. Going forward, it’s my goal to continue to build on the outstanding care and patient experience the community has come to expect from LewisGale.”
Tucker has a distinguished career with HCA Healthcare. She started in 2009 as an emergency service nurse at LewisGale Medical Center and LewisGale Hospital Alleghany. Five years later, she was promoted to emergency services manager at Alleghany, and in 2018, she became the department director. Just two years later, Tucker was appointed the hospital’s chief nursing officer (CNO). During this time, she also assisted other HCA Healthcare facilities. In 2022 and 2023, she served as interim CNO at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery and twice at Terre Haute Regional Hospital in Terre Haute, IN. She assumed the role of interim CEO at Alleghany in May 2024.
“Nicole has repeatedly proven herself to be an advocate for the hospital, patients and her coworkers,” said Rusty Hammond, president of the LewisGale Hospital Alleghany Board of Trustees. “She is a professional and dedicated leader who is guided by her heart. She truly loves this area; this is her hometown community. She and her team will maintain the facility’s strong positive culture and continue to achieve great things for our hospital.”
Tucker earned a doctorate degree in strategic leadership and a master’s degree in nursing administration from Liberty University. She received undergraduate degrees from Mary Baldwin College and Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, and is also a graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leaders from the University of Virginia.
Eager to contribute to the community’s success, Tucker actively supports several local organizations. She currently serves as a board member of the Alleghany Highlands Kiwanis Club, Alleghany Highlands YMCA and Alleghany Highlands Community Services Board. Additionally, she is a member of the Public Guardianship Program for the Alleghany Highlands and Rockbridge County.
Tucker and her husband, Randy, reside in Covington with their four beloved dogs.