The Tennessee Nurses Association (TNA) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Dr. Martina Suttle Harris, EdD, MSN, CNE, ANEF, as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective December 2026.
A respected nursing executive, educator, and statewide leader, Harris brings more than three decades of nursing experience and a demonstrated commitment to advancing nursing practice, professional leadership, and healthcare workforce development across Tennessee.
Harris has been an active member of TNA since 2012 and previously served as president of TNA District 4 from 2016 to 2020. Her longstanding involvement with the association reflects her commitment to professional advocacy, nursing leadership, and advancing the interests of nurses throughout the state.
"I am truly honored and excited to lead the Tennessee Nurses Association at such an important time for our profession," Harris said. "Nurses are essential to the health and well-being of our communities, and they deserve a strong, unified voice that reflects their expertise, advocates for their interests, and advances the profession. I look forward to working alongside our members, Board of Directors, and healthcare partners to strengthen the nursing workforce, elevate nursing's influence, and position TNA for continued growth and impact across Tennessee."
"Dr. Harris brings an exceptional combination of nursing expertise, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to the nursing profession," said Dr. Jennifer Hitt. "Her experience leading complex healthcare education initiatives, building strategic partnerships, and serving in statewide nursing leadership positions makes her well-positioned to guide TNA into its next chapter. We are excited about the vision, energy, and leadership she brings to the association."
Harris has been a registered nurse in Tennessee since 1992, beginning her career in neonatal intensive care and labor and delivery. She joins TNA from Chattanooga State Community College, where she has served as Dean of Nursing and Allied Health since 2023. In this role, she has provided executive leadership for a comprehensive portfolio of healthcare education programs, advancing strategic initiatives focused on workforce development, organizational growth, academic excellence, and healthcare partnerships.
Throughout her career, Harris has demonstrated a strong record of strategic leadership, resource development, and collaborative partnerships to address critical healthcare workforce needs. She has secured more than $5.3 million in external grant funding to expand educational opportunities, strengthen nursing pathways, and support students, including those from underserved and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Her leadership has also contributed to the expansion of innovative nursing education pathways and workforce initiatives designed to increase access to healthcare careers and respond to evolving workforce demands.
Prior to her leadership at Chattanooga State, Harris held nursing faculty positions at Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
In recognition of her contributions to nursing education and leadership, Harris was inducted as a Fellow of the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education in 2024. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Middle Tennessee State University, Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University, and Doctor of Education from Tennessee State University.
