MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford is pleased to announce the addition of four new members to the Foundation’s Board of Directors; Joe Cavarretta, Richard Fluharty, Dr. David Urban and Melanie McNabb Shipp.
Joe Cavarretta - Joe was born and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, and has lived in many places across the country through his career. He recently retired after a 40-year career in the Transportation sector, serving most recently as the Sales Director for Pittsburgh-based Transportation Solution provider, Pitt-Ohio Express.
Outside of his career, Joe enjoys spending time with his wife, Diane, daughter, Larissa, son, Joe, and 12-year-old grandson, Branson. He also enjoys many hobbies, including golf, long hikes, reading, traveling and volunteering.
Richard Fluharty - Richard joins the board of directors with close to 20 years of experience in the Banking profession, currently serving as a Vice President/Relationship Manager with SmartBank.
In addition to his career, Richard is dedicated to his Rutherford County community. Alongside his business partner, Shawn Hackinson, Richard co-founded the popular “Artist at the Alley” event, a fundraiser supporting the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation. Richard’s other community involvement includes membership in the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Commonwealth Society, an active parishioner of World Outreach Church and a coach for the Murfreesboro Little League.
Dr. David Urban - Dr. David J. Urban has spent the majority of his career in education, most recently as Dean Emeritus and Professor of Marketing at Middle Tennessee State University’s Jennings A. Jones College. He previously served in faculty and administrative positions at Virginia Commonwealth University and Georgia State University.
Dr. Urban also has an expansive business background, including duty as a U.S. Navy Supply Corps officer. He has held the position as Board Chair for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties.
In addition to being a certified Dale Carnegie Trainer, Dr. Urban has won eight national teaching awards, and has been inducted into four national honor societies.
Melanie McNabb Shipp - Melanie is a Murfreesboro native and graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Melanie serves as a long-time member of the Charity Circle of Murfreesboro and the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation Ambassadors. Over the years, Melanie and her husband, Barry, have made many contributions to the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital and Foundation, including their lead gift for the 2018 expansion project, “A Time to Excel” capital campaign. In 2023 Melanie and Barry were named the Dr. Liz Rhea Philanthropist of the Year by the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation.
In her free time, Melanie enjoys spending time with her family, friends and playing tennis with the Wild Deuces.
“Our Foundation board members generously volunteer their time and expertise to help Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation fulfill its mission throughout Middle Tennessee,” said Gordon Ferguson, President and CEO, Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford. “We are fortunate to have Joe Cavarretta, Richard Fluharty, Dr. David Urban and Melanie McNabb Shipp join this dynamic group of leaders. I know their contributions will be highly valued.
About Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation - Our Mission: Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, we commit ourselves to serving all persons with special attention to those who are struggling the most in Middle Tennessee. Our Catholic health ministry is dedicated to spiritually centered, holistic care which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. We are advocates for a compassionate and just society through our actions and our words. Our Purpose: The role of the Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Foundation is to support the mission of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. The Foundation serves the people and system needs throughout Middle Tennessee and the Ascension Saint Thomas network of care. We embrace the philosophy and mission of healing and service to those who are struggling as the fundamental purpose of our ministry.
About Ascension Saint Thomas - Ascension Saint Thomas operates 13 hospitals in Tennessee and a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and rehabilitation facilities that cover a 45-county area and provided more than $180 million in community benefit and care of persons living in poverty in fiscal year 2022. Across the state, Ascension Saint Thomas and its affiliates employ more than 10,700 associates. The health system has a 125-year history in Tennessee. Ascension is a
faith-based healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable, through its more than 2,600 sites of care in 19 states and the District of Columbia.
