Dr. Liz Rhea

Rhea was selected for her leadership throughout the foundation’s capital campaign and her support of Middle Tennessee Medical Center’s (MTMC) growth and services. 

“When the MTMC Foundation considered who should receive this award, it was unanimous that no one was more deserving than Liz Rhea,” MTMC Foundation Executive Director Jeff Lea said. “She is not only a model philanthropist who gives generously to our community, but is also a tireless worker for numerous causes. We are honored to be able to recognize her for all that she’s done for our hospital and our region.”

Rhea joined the MTMC Foundation board of directors in 1993, and since then has served as its treasurer and vice-president, as well as president of the MTMC Ambassadors.

Under her leadership, the Ambassadors pledged a $100,000 gift to the construction of the new hospital.

Rhea has given one of the largest individual donations to the building of the new hospital and additionally, made a second gift to the MTMC Cancer Center capital campaign.

She serves on numerous Foundation committees, such as the Rutherford Society Gala committee and is currently co-chair of the MTMC Foundation Cancer Center Campaign.

The first-ever Philanthropist of the Year award was announced during the MTMC Foundation’s Rutherford Society Gala, which was held Jan. 22 and featured guest speaker Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America.

More than 400 guests attended the gala which recognizes donors to the Middle Tennessee Medical Center Foundation.

The Rutherford Society is a group of individuals who support the hospital with a donation of $1,000 each calendar year. This year, the MTMC Foundation created a new giving level of $500 a calendar year for clergy and donors under 35.

Donors can designate their gifts to various hospital funds such as the Building Fund, Cancer Fund, Clara and Ed Delbridge Nursing Scholarship Fund or Heart Fund.