John Schroer Named Chairman of Franklin Transit Authority
The Franklin Transit Authority announces John Schroer’s unanimous appointment as Chairman. Mr. Schroer’s transportation and government experience are extensive. He served as the Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (2011-19). Additionally, he has served as City of Franklin Mayor, Alderman and Board Member, Franklin Special School District Board of Education. Currently, he serves on the Williamson County Foster Care Review Board and the Williamson County UGB Board. The Franklin Transit Authority is operated and managed by The TMA Group. For more information, contact Debbie Henry, President and CEO, at 615.790.4005.
High Hopes Names New Executive Director
High Hopes Development Center has named Allen Long its new Executive Director. He replaces Gail Powell, who announced her retirement in late 2021. Long joins High Hopes from Lipscomb Academy, where he currently serves as Associate Head of the Lower School. High Hopes Development Center loves, nurtures and educates children with two integrated programs helping each child reach their maximum potential. Children ages six weeks to kindergarten, with and without special needs, are educated together in inclusive preschool classrooms by a team of experienced teachers supporting each child’s individual needs. High Hopes also offers an on-site pediatric therapy clinic, allowing children to receive therapy services during their preschool day. High Hopes gives children of all intellectual, physical and mental abilities the opportunity to learn and grow together in an environment that provides a strong foundation for future academic and social success.
Williamson Medical Center Foundation Launches Largest Capital Campaign in History: Caroline and Luke Bryan join the Effort
The Williamson Medical Center Foundation has enlisted the support of Caroline and Luke Bryan to kick off its $25 million “More for You. Close to Home” capital campaign to help fund a major renovation and expansion project for Williamson Medical Center (WMC) in Franklin. The project will strengthen the hospital’s ability to provide sophisticated, comprehensive, high-quality healthcare for Williamson County and surrounding communities as the area continues to grow. Caroline Bryan will serve as co-chair of the campaign with Vicki McNamara, who serves as Vice Chair of the Foundation’s Board and is active in the community. Luke Bryan has been tabbed as the campaign’s honorary co-chair. They will be featured in campaign materials, assist in fundraising events and provide additional support.
“When we moved to Franklin, being close to a hospital was one of our priorities for location, and we ended up less than five minutes from Williamson Medical Center,” said Caroline Bryan. “Since then, we’ve had two children born there, made multiple trips to the ER and have established relationships with doctors and other staff. Having the best possible healthcare close by is important for our entire community,” says Caroline.
With a projected cost of $189 million, the project is set to begin in April 2022 with primary construction expected to be completed by 2024. The Foundation’s capital campaign will help supplement the $150 million in bond financing secured from the county to fund the project. The planned expansion and renovation will be phased over time and will increase the hospital’s capacity. Expected renovations include: Expanding capacity in WMC’s Adult ER along with the addition of a behavioral health pod; expanding Obstetrics which includes creating separate rooms for labor/delivery and postpartum patients, adding an additional operating room for C-sections and reconfiguring the NICU; adding additional floors to the West Tower and renovating current floors as well as increased capacity in ICU/Stepdown and Medical/Surgical units; renovating patient rooms in the Main Tower to create more space for patients and their families.
This will be the Foundation’s largest capital campaign to date. In its most recent campaign, the Foundation raised more than $8 million to support the construction of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Vanderbilt at Williamson Medical Center, which opened in 2015. The Foundation has launched a website with more information on “More for You. Close to Home.” Campaign: wmcfoundation.com. More information about events and how the general public can participate will be available soon.
