Adena Health president and CEO Jeff Graham today announced his decision to retire effective September 30, 2025. To carry on the organization’s mission and continued momentum, the Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed Katherine (Kathi) Edrington, Adena’s chief operating officer, to succeed Graham as president and CEO beginning October 1, 2025.
A native of Portsmouth, Ohio, Graham first joined Adena in 1999 and was named president and CEO in 2017. As Jeff celebrates his 65th birthday this year, he decided that now is the right time to retire after much prayer, reflection, and conversation with his family.
Graham’s transformational leadership has more than doubled the size of the business through expanded services and locations and has driven progress that has strengthened care for the region.
“It’s hard to put into words just how much this organization has meant to me over these years. Helping Adena grow, adapt, and evolve its impact in the communities we serve has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said Graham. “We’ve shown what’s possible when a rural health system leads with heart and purpose. From nine counties strong, we’ve stayed true to our 130-year legacy while continuing to evolve for the future, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Graham’s impact includes:
- Expanding the Adena Medical Group to become a multi-specialty provider network with more than 30 specialties.
- Leading the system’s regional growth, including the addition of Adena Fayette Medical Center and spearheading plans for the building of the new hospital, the opening of Adena Orthopedic and Spine Institute, and the development of multiple new care locations throughout the nine counties Adena serves.
- Driving the creation of the Ohio High Value Network, a clinically integrated network of more than two dozen rural hospitals and health systems across the state.
- Establishing pivotal community partnerships with area schools, agencies, and organizations focused on improving the health and well-being of the region.
- Improving access to care and services in the region through clinical partnerships, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
- Representing rural health care priorities at the state level through service on the Ohio Hospital Association Board of Trustees since 2019.
- Expanding Adena’s commitment to the community by serving on a number of community and regional committees, including as the former chair of the Greater Chillicothe and Ross County Development.
- Bringing health care services to children in the community through the expansion of athletic training services, launch of the Adena Mobile Clinic, and the development of five new school-based clinics opening later this year and in 2026.
- Forging a strategic education partnership with Shawnee State University (SSU) to help meet regional workforce needs, while supporting students pursuing health care careers by bringing the school’s programs to Adena’s Chillicothe campus. Also serving on the SSU College of Health and Human Services Advisory Board.
- Introducing innovative care delivery models, including Adena’s own emergency medical transport service, which is improving patient experience, access, and operational efficiencies.
“Thanks to Jeff’s unwavering leadership, Adena Health is stronger than ever,” said Steve Hirsch, Adena Board of Trustees chair. “Our organization is thriving and expanding the care and services we provide, even as many rural health care systems face immense challenges and closures. We’re grateful for Jeff’s tireless dedication to Adena and the communities we serve.”
With Graham’s retirement on the horizon, Adena is preparing for a seamless leadership transition. Edrington was appointed to succeed Graham as the next president and CEO of Adena after the Board of Trustees worked with a national executive search firm to evaluate candidates across the country, followed by extensive conversations and reviews.
“Kathi brings determination, compassion, and a deep-rooted understanding of what it means to serve with purpose,” said Bill Knoles, Board of Trustees member nominated by the First Presbyterian Church. “Her leadership has driven operational improvements that have enhanced the patient experience, improved clinical outcomes, and strengthened the organization financially through increased efficiency and smart decision-making.”
Edrington joined Adena eight years ago, relocating with her family to Chillicothe to become part of the community she now serves. As COO, she led the implementation of a unified electronic medical record system, streamlining care across the organization. This advancement has empowered providers to deliver more coordinated, whole-person care while also giving patients greater access to and involvement in managing their own health.
“I’m deeply grateful for Jeff’s leadership and the stability he’s brought to Adena. And I am honored to have the opportunity to carry on Adena’s commitment to the community built over the past 130 years,” said Edrington. “My background is rooted in patient care, and that focus remains at the center of every decision I make. Together with our incredible team, we’ll ensure our family, friends, and neighbors have access to local, excellent care. That is and will always be our mission.”
Drawing on her nursing background, Edrington has strengthened Adena’s nursing program by fostering partnerships with area institutions to expand workforce opportunities. Edrington has also worked to enhance compensation packages, helping attract and retain top nursing talent.
“This is an exciting new chapter for Adena Health,” said Hirsch. “Our commitment remains steadfast, with Adena well positioned to continue growing and providing excellent, trusted, high-quality care to the patients and communities we serve.”