ABOUT US

Our vision is to Transform health across the South.

Journey Health Foundation was formed from the sale of Hospice of Chattanooga/Alleo Health.

Our mission is to convene passionate, collaborative partners to help build bold, data-driven systems and solutions that promote healthy communities for all.

We’re looking to
find new partners

We’re looking to find new partners that share our vision of transforming health across the South. Please reach out if you have questions, ideas, or resources that can help make this vision a reality.  Please note that Journey Health Foundation is not accepting grant requests at this time.

Reach out.

“I believe Journey Health Foundation has the ability to make a real difference in communities around the south’s future by partnering with like-minded organizations to ensure we all live happier healthier lives.

We have the opportunity to do things in a new and different way related to health and well-being.”

Tracy Wood

Meet the Team

Tracy Wood

Tracy Wood, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Journey Health Foundation, leads efforts to make Chattanooga one of the healthiest cities in America. She oversees the foundation’s work and long-term strategies, with a focus on improving health outcomes for underserved communities. Tracy serves on the Board of Directors for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, CHI Memorial, and Cempa Community Care, in addition to her roles on the Regional Health Council and as a member of the Rotary Club.

  • Originally from Hampton, Virginia, Tracy credits her values of perseverance, accountability, and ethics to her upbringing. She developed a love for community engagement through her involvement in high school cheerleading. Tracy pursued higher education at Marymount College, now part of Fordham University, where she studied Psychology and Business, later earning a Master of Public Administration in Healthcare from Grand Canyon University.

    Her healthcare career began in high school with a job in a chiropractor’s office, but it was her work in hospice and palliative care that shaped her leadership. Tracy became the CEO of Hospice of Chattanooga in 2016, where she spearheaded the creation of Alleo Health, integrating clinical services that expanded the organization’s impact. Under her leadership, the hospice census grew by 255% over 4.5 years. In 2021, she successfully led the organization’s sale, which allowed for the establishment of the Journey Health Foundation.

    Tracy’s contributions to Chattanooga’s health landscape remain significant, as she continues to drive initiatives that foster community wellness and collaboration.

headshot of Miriam Gilman

Miriam Gilman

Miriam Gilman serves as the Program Manager for Journey Health Foundation, where she plays a critical role in overseeing and executing programs aimed at improving health outcomes across Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and Alabama. In this role, she manages the logistical, administrative, and operational aspects of the foundation's initiatives, ensuring seamless execution of the Foundation’s mission to promote healthy communities.

  • Prior to joining Journey Health Foundation, Miriam worked at Switchyards in Nashville, where she was responsible for maintaining and operating two 24/7 membership-based workspaces. She assisted over 200 members with daily needs, including room reservations and membership inquiries, and trained new employees on company policies and procedures. She also produced research articles and supported various national campaigns of EARTHDAY.ORG, a environmental advocacy nonprofit in Washington, D.C.

    Miriam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies and Health Studies from the University of Richmond, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Denise Dye

Denise serves as the Chief Program Officer for Journey Health Foundation, where she leads the development and execution of impactful programs that support the foundation’s mission. With extensive experience in healthcare and community partnerships, Denise plays a pivotal role in shaping initiatives that address health equity and drive positive outcomes across the region. Her leadership is integral to advancing Journey Health Foundation’s vision of transforming health in communities throughout the South.

  • As Vice President of the Pathways Data Hub, Denise oversees the development of a community-based care coordination system to support local health workers and address disparities in healthcare. Specifically, she will forge new partnerships with community-based organizations, direct the delivery of care coordination services, and manage the operational aspects of the Hub.

    Denise’s professional background includes achievements in the fields of data analytics and governance, including the implementation of numerous strategies that have improved organizational performance and data integrity. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Covenant College and is a thirty-year veteran of the palliative care sector, having previously served as Chief Information Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Program Director with Hospice of Chattanooga. 

Shanese Bonner

Shanese Bonner serves as the Executive Assistant at Journey Health Foundation, where she provides critical administrative and executive-level support across the organization. Known for her ability to optimize workflows and attention to detail, Shanese ensures that all tasks are efficiently coordinated and executed.

  • Before joining Journey Health Foundation, Shanese worked as an Executive Administrative Assistant at Erlanger Community Centers in Chattanooga, where she was responsible for managing executive schedules and handling sensitive information with discretion. Prior to this, she held the role of Administrative Assistant III at Mueller Water Co. She also brings more than two decades of experience in office management, event planning, and administrative operations as Program Coordinator and Church Secretary at Holy Temple Church Of God In Christ.

    Shanese holds an Associate of Science in Business Administration from Chattanooga State Community College.

Board Members

Dana Perry, Chair

Carol Newton, Immediate Past Chair

Dr. Martina Harris, Secretary

Bill Stiles, Treasurer

Daisy Maurya Ballard

Reverend Lina Hart

Helen Pinkerton, MPH

Sister Judy Raley

Niti Tejani

R. Lavon Yates