Jack C. Massey Leadership Award

The Namesake

Originally trained as a pharmacist and retail druggist, Mr. Massey founded Massey Surgical Supply in 1930. In 1964, he invested in the Kentucky Fried Chicken Corporation and directed its growth to the world’s largest commercial marketer of prepared foods. Mr. Massey joined with Dr. Thomas Frist, Jr. and others in 1968 to form Hospital Corporation of America. He also established Winners Corporation, and directed the capitalization of Thomas Nelson Publishers, Surgical Care Affiliates and Corrections Corporation of America. As a founder of Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Mr. Massey served for 20 years on their Board of Trustees. During that time, Baptist grew from a small hospital to one of the mid-south’s largest medical centers.
Mr. Massey’s interests extended into many areas of the community. He was a trustee of Montgomery Bell Academy and a founder of the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. He contributed to numerous institutions, including Vanderbilt Law School and Meharry Medical College. In 1987, He was elected to Fortune Magazine’s National Business Hall of Fame. Belmont College awarded the first honorary doctoral degree in its history to Mr. Massey in 1975. Today, the institution’s graduate school of business bears his name.
Mr. Massey’s death in 1990 was a significant loss to the Nashville community, but his remarkable vision and accomplishments left a legacy which will be felt and remembered for generations to come.
Jack C. Massey Leadership Award MHA Beneficiary 1

The Beneficiary

Founded in 1946, Mental Health America of the MidSouth continues to positively impact the community and break down stigma surrounding mental health that builds a barrier to seeking care. Our mission is to improve the lives of persons living with mental health challenges by advocating for improved public policy, educating health service providers, and connecting individuals to the right help at the right time. We believe that mental illness is real and treatable, that every life is worth saving, and that there is no health without mental health. MHA advocates for the rights and needs of persons with mental illness, their families, and promotes mental health through service and education. The agency’s unique, community-focused services include: Suicide Prevention, Caregiver Support, Youth Mental Health Education, Multicultural Outreach, Continuing Education, and more.

Previous Honorees

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