HOPE Welcomes New CEO Lauren Smith!
- HOPE Family Health
- Sep 22
- 2 min read
By Liz Ferrell, Development & Community Relations Specialist
Monday, September 22, 2025, marks the dawn of a new era at HOPE Family Health! On this day Lauren Smith officially stepped into the role of HOPE’s Chief Executive Officer.
Lauren comes to HOPE from her previous position as Executive Director of Charis Health Center, a Mt. Juliet-based health clinic, and brings nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, healthcare management, and community advocacy. Notably, Lauren shares a heart for HOPE’s mission of making healthcare accessible and affordable for all who need it.
When former CEO and HOPE co-founder Jenny Dittes announced in April that she would step down as CEO at year-end, HOPE’s board immediately formed an Executive Transition Committee and began collecting resumes. They set a goal to hire a new CEO by October.
As fate would have it, the right candidate presented herself sooner than anyone expected.
“Early in the application process we realized Lauren brings to the table the things HOPE needs to move forward,” HOPE’s Board Chair Brad Tuttle said. “She has hands-on experience managing a health clinic and leading a nonprofit organization. Most importantly, she believes basic healthcare is a right. And she’s excited about using her knowledge, skills and experience to further HOPE’s mission of making healthcare accessible and affordable for everyone.”
With Lauren’s acceptance of the position, the board and HOPE’s leadership team felt comfortable accelerating the transition process. Lauren joined the HOPE family in late August to work with Jenny, observe, ask questions, shadow department heads, and learn the finer points of running a Federally Qualified Health Center.
“It is truly an honor to be joining an organization with such a rich legacy of compassion, integrity, and impact as HOPE,” Lauren said. “HOPE’s mission resonates deeply with me. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to join HOPE’s work in service to our communities, and I look forward to leading the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.”
Jenny, who will remain available in an advisory capacity through year-end, wholeheartedly supports Lauren as the board’s choice to fill her shoes.
“I can’t express how pleased I am to have Lauren Smith become part of the HOPE family. She is uniquely qualified to lead HOPE as the healthcare field navigates any challenges the future might hold,” Jenny said. “As a HOPE founder, it means a lot to me to know I can leave it in her capable hands. In working with her through the leadership transition, I have seen firsthand her work ethic, her heart for the mission, and her faith.”
The next twenty years of HOPE have begun.
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