The Magic Behind Our Team

Continuing on in our Team Member Spotlight Series ???-

We are excited to introduce you to another exceptional team member of Ballad Health, Pam Austin, MBA, PMP, CPHIMS , the Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Ballad Health and an invaluable senior information and technology advisor to Ballad Ventures . In her day-to-day position, Pam serves with nearly three decades of experience in the healthcare industry, Pam's journey into healthcare and her passion for promoting wellness in her community have been truly inspiring.

?? What inspired your entry into healthcare and ignited your passion?

My healthcare journey is rooted in the commitment to wellness. Before entering the healthcare field, I had dreams of owning my own gym and was actively involved in fitness, teaching group fitness classes during my college years. My passion for helping people lead healthier lives led the start of my career at the wellness center at BRMC. I initially worked as a liaison between information technology and finance but pursued further education in information technology on the business finance side. I have a passion to improve patients' health and serving the community has been so rewarding.

?? Favorite hobby:

When it comes to hobbies, my favorite is undoubtedly group fitness. I enjoy a variety of fitness activities, including step aerobics, pound class, and pilates. I work to participate with a boutique group fitness community in Johnson City, which incorporates drummers and drumsticks for body movement. While I might avoid running, I did find enjoyment in bowling on a league and aspires to get involved in pickleball someday.

??? The most adventurous thing you've ever done or would like to do:

In 2019, my husband and I embarked on an exciting adventure by becoming certified scuba divers. We found scuba diving to be a fantastic winter activity and have dived to depths of up to 110 feet, with certification allowing us to go as deep as 130 feet. The true fascination lies in exploring the underwater world, particularly the depths of 25-40 feet, where coral reefs thrive.

?? Any interesting hobbies or side projects in your free time?

I have culinary aspirations and would like to take cooking classes in the future. Exploring new cuisines and cooking techniques is on my list of exciting pursuits.

?? A free day with no obligations:

In a day with no obligations, I would like to commit time to serving others. With the time, I would spend my day volunteering at my local church, helping to clean and maintain the facility, and extending support to those in need.

?? Keeping up with industry trends:

I work to stay ahead of the curve in the constantly evolving field by actively participating in industry forums like CHIME International , a CIO forum of information technology experts. I also leverage resources like Gartner and their Executive program to access valuable insights and mentorship. Attending annual conferences and engaging with groups such as Inspire CIO provides updates about the latest industry developments.

?? What is the most valuable lesson you've learned from industry leaders?

One key lesson I've learned from industry leaders is to remain humble and recognize that the smartest solutions often come from the collaborative efforts of the team. Serving others and being kind are fundamental principles I work to apply to everything I do.

Pam Austin's dedication to healthcare and her community, coupled with her commitment to personal growth, make her an invaluable asset to our team at Ballad Health and Ballad Ventures. We are proud to have her as part of our dynamic team. Join us in celebrating Pam's contributions to healthcare innovation and wellness advocacy!