Baptist Health Hardin names new financial leader to its team

Baptist Health Hardin has named Cora McPherson to its leadership team. As vice president of hospital financial operations, McPherson provides key financial analysis and forecasting to Hardin, one of Kentucky’s largest healthcare systems when ranked by patient volume.

McPherson, who joined the team in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly established her expertise, showing her understanding of financial strategy and demonstrating the best way to manage the financials during this time.

Baptist Health Hardin President and CEO Dennis Johnson said that McPherson is a perfect fit and has easily assimilated to Hardin’s patient-centered culture.

“Cora is a seasoned healthcare executive and already a highly valued and respected part of our senior leadership team,” Johnson said. “She helps leaders across the system understand how the financials impact day-to-day operations and impact the future. We are beyond grateful to have someone with talent like Cora serving in this key leadership role.”

Prior to joining Baptist Health, McPherson served for seven years as business manager and the director of operations improvement at Mission Health System in North Carolina.

Baptist Health Hardin experienced financial success and positive bond ratings over the past decade because of growth in outpatient services and revenue cycle improvements. Revenue cycle includes billings and payment processing.

In September 2020, Baptist Health Hardin, previously known as Hardin Memorial Health, was acquired by Baptist Health. Kentucky’s largest healthcare system, Baptist Health has nine hospitals in Kentucky and southern Indiana. About 75 percent of Kentucky residents live within the health system’s service area.

“The Hardin team, patient volumes, and success executing its growth strategy to recruit the best physicians and provide first-in-class patient care and service in top-notch facilities drew me to the job,” McPherson said.

“The investments Baptist Health plans to make in Hardin will only enhance what we can deliver to patients. It’s an exciting time for Central Kentuckians.”

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