About NHC
Your Trusted Partner in Health for over 50 years
At NHC, our commitment to “Caring in a Better Way Day by Day” sets us apart. We believe that care should respect the individual, promote recovery, well-being, and independence.
Who We Are
Welcome to NHC, your trusted partner in comprehensive senior care. With over 50 years of experience, we provide a continuum of care that includes skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, homecare, hospice, and specialized services like memory care, geriatric psych acute care, pharmacy, and rehabilitation.
At NHC, we prioritize your well-being, offering personalized, high-quality care tailored to your needs. We look forward to welcoming you and your family!
Our Mission
NHC is committed to being the senior care leader in customer, partner, and investor satisfaction.
Our Vision
Caring in a better way day by day.
Robert G. Adams
Robert G. Adams has served NHC for 38 years – 18 years as Senior Vice President, 10 years as Chief Operating Officer, five years as President, 12 years as CEO and 24 years on the Board of Directors. He became Chairman of the Board on January 1, 2009. He has extensive long-term health care experience, including serving NHC as a health care center administrator and Regional Vice President.
As a management representative on the Board, Mr. Adams provides a unique perspective regarding the business and strategic direction of the Company and brings his experience in all aspects of the Company’s business to the Board’s deliberations. Mr. Adams has a B.S. degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He also served on the board of National Health Realty, Inc. from December 1997 through October 2007.
Robert G. Adams
Robert G. Adams has served NHC for 38 years – 18 years as Senior Vice President, 10 years as Chief Operating Officer, five years as President, 12 years as CEO and 24 years on the Board of Directors. He became Chairman of the Board on January 1, 2009. He has extensive long-term health care experience, including serving NHC as a health care center administrator and Regional Vice President.
As a management representative on the Board, Mr. Adams provides a unique perspective regarding the business and strategic direction of the Company and brings his experience in all aspects of the Company’s business to the Board’s deliberations. Mr. Adams has a B.S. degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He also served on the board of National Health Realty, Inc. from December 1997 through October 2007.
Robert G. Adams, Chairman of the Board
Robert G. Adams has served NHC for 38 years – 18 years as Senior Vice President, 10 years as Chief Operating Officer, five years as President, 12 years as CEO and 24 years on the Board of Directors. He became Chairman of the Board on January 1, 2009. He has extensive long-term health care experience, including serving NHC as a health care center administrator and Regional Vice President.
As a management representative on the Board, Mr. Adams provides a unique perspective regarding the business and strategic direction of the Company and brings his experience in all aspects of the Company’s business to the Board’s deliberations. Mr. Adams has a B.S. degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He also served on the board of National Health Realty, Inc. from December 1997 through October 2007.
Steve Flatt, CEO
Stephen F. Flatt (CEO and Inside Director) was appointed to the board and named Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2017. He joined NHC in June 2005 as Senior Vice President – Development. On January 1, 2009, Mr. Flatt became NHC’s President. He served as the President of Lipscomb University from 1997 through June 2005 and, prior to that, President of Ezell Harding Christian School in Nashville and Vice President of Financial Affairs and Institutional Planning at Lipscomb.
Mr. Flatt currently serves as Co-Chair of the Council for Post Acute Care (CPAC), the Board of Governors for the American Health Care Association (AHCA), the Board of Trust of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, and the Board of Directors of the Nashville Health Care Council. In 2013 he was a member of the Council’s inaugural “Health Care Fellows” Program led by former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. Also in 2013 he was named one of Middle Tennessee’s “Health-Care Heroes” by the Nashville Business Journal. He received his B.A. degree from David Lipscomb College and his M.S. degree and Ph.D. from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University.
Steve Flatt, CEO & Inside Director
Stephen F. Flatt (CEO and Inside Director) was appointed to the board and named Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2017. He joined NHC in June 2005 as Senior Vice President – Development. On January 1, 2009, Mr. Flatt became NHC’s President. He served as the President of Lipscomb University from 1997 through June 2005 and, prior to that, President of Ezell Harding Christian School in Nashville and Vice President of Financial Affairs and Institutional Planning at Lipscomb.
Mr. Flatt currently serves as Co-Chair of the Council for Post Acute Care (CPAC), the Board of Governors for the American Health Care Association (AHCA), the Board of Trust of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, and the Board of Directors of the Nashville Health Care Council. In 2013 he was a member of the Council’s inaugural “Health Care Fellows” Program led by former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. Also in 2013 he was named one of Middle Tennessee’s “Health-Care Heroes” by the Nashville Business Journal. He received his B.A. degree from David Lipscomb College and his M.S. degree and Ph.D. from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University.
Steve Flatt, CEO & Inside Director
Stephen F. Flatt (CEO and Inside Director) was appointed to the board and named Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2017. He joined NHC in June 2005 as Senior Vice President – Development. On January 1, 2009, Mr. Flatt became NHC’s President. He served as the President of Lipscomb University from 1997 through June 2005 and, prior to that, President of Ezell Harding Christian School in Nashville and Vice President of Financial Affairs and Institutional Planning at Lipscomb.
Mr. Flatt currently serves as Co-Chair of the Council for Post Acute Care (CPAC), the Board of Governors for the American Health Care Association (AHCA), the Board of Trust of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, and the Board of Directors of the Nashville Health Care Council. In 2013 he was a member of the Council’s inaugural “Health Care Fellows” Program led by former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. Also in 2013 he was named one of Middle Tennessee’s “Health-Care Heroes” by the Nashville Business Journal. He received his B.A. degree from David Lipscomb College and his M.S. degree and Ph.D. from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University.
Mike Ussery, President & COO
R. Michael Ussery (President and Chief Operating Officer) has been with the Company since 1980. On January 1, 2009, Mr. Ussery was appointed Chief Operating Officer and on January 1, 2017 he was appointed President of NHC. During his tenure with NHC he has served as Senior Vice President – Operations, Senior Vice President – Central Region, Regional Vice President, and Administrator in multiple locations. Mr. Ussery also won the top honor of Administrator of the Year in 1989.
Mike has a B.B.A. from The University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from Middle Tennessee State University.
Mike Ussery, President & COO
R. Michael Ussery (President and Chief Operating Officer) has been with the Company since 1980. On January 1, 2009, Mr. Ussery was appointed Chief Operating Officer and on January 1, 2017 he was appointed President of NHC. During his tenure with NHC he has served as Senior Vice President – Operations, Senior Vice President – Central Region, Regional Vice President, and Administrator in multiple locations. Mr. Ussery also won the top honor of Administrator of the Year in 1989.
Mike has a B.B.A. from The University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from Middle Tennessee State University.
Mike Ussery, President & COO
R. Michael Ussery (President and Chief Operating Officer) has been with the Company since 1980. On January 1, 2009, Mr. Ussery was appointed Chief Operating Officer and on January 1, 2017 he was appointed President of NHC. During his tenure with NHC he has served as Senior Vice President – Operations, Senior Vice President – Central Region, Regional Vice President, and Administrator in multiple locations. Mr. Ussery also won the top honor of Administrator of the Year in 1989.
Mike has a B.B.A. from The University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from Middle Tennessee State University.
Tim Shelly, SVP Operations
Tim Shelly was named Senior Vice President of Operations for NHC in August 2024. He previously served as Regional Vice President for the Metro Nashville Region from 2014 to 2024. A dedicated leader with more than 30 years of experience at NHC, Tim began his career with the company in 1992 as a graduate of the NHC Administrator in Training Program. Over the years, he has been recognized for his excellence in leadership, including being named NHC Administrator of the Year in 2002 and receiving the Center of the Year award in 2010.
Tim holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Tim Shelly, SVP Operations
Tim Shelly serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations at National HealthCare Corporation (NHC), a leading provider of senior care services across the United States. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Tim brings a deep commitment to operational excellence, patient-centered care, and strategic leadership.
Throughout his career, Tim has demonstrated a strong ability to streamline processes, enhance patient outcomes, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. His leadership is instrumental in overseeing the operational performance of NHC’s extensive network, which includes skilled nursing facilities, assisted and independent living communities, behavioral health hospitals, homecare, and hospice agencies.
Tim Shelly, Senior Vice President of Operations
Tim Shelly serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations at National HealthCare Corporation (NHC), a leading provider of senior care services across the United States. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Tim brings a deep commitment to operational excellence, patient-centered care, and strategic leadership.
Throughout his career, Tim has demonstrated a strong ability to streamline processes, enhance patient outcomes, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. His leadership is instrumental in overseeing the operational performance of NHC’s extensive network, which includes skilled nursing facilities, assisted and independent living communities, behavioral health hospitals, homecare, and hospice agencies.
Brian Kidd, SVP, CFO
Brian F. Kidd (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) joined the company in 2008. Prior to being promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2023, Mr. Kidd served as Vice President of Financial Reporting and Director of Financial Reporting. His responsibilities at NHC have included overseeing and reviewing all aspects of internal and external financial reporting, which includes compliance and monitoring of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and SEC requirements.
He currently serves on the boards of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, Middle Tennessee State University Foundation Board of Trustees, Middle Tennessee State University Accounting Advisory Board, Murfreesboro Water Resources Board, Regions Bank Middle Tennessee Advisory Board, Providence Christian Academy Board of Trustees, and the One Hundred Club of Rutherford County, Inc. Prior to joining NHC , Mr. Kidd was in public accounting for 10 years. Mr. Kidd is a Certified Public Accountant and received his B.S. in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University in 1998.
Brian Kidd, CFO
Brian F. Kidd (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) joined the company in 2008. Prior to being promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2023, Mr. Kidd served as Vice President of Financial Reporting and Director of Financial Reporting. His responsibilities at NHC have included overseeing and reviewing all aspects of internal and external financial reporting, which includes compliance and monitoring of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and SEC requirements.
He currently serves on the boards of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, Middle Tennessee State University Foundation Board of Trustees, Middle Tennessee State University Accounting Advisory Board, Murfreesboro Water Resources Board, Regions Bank Middle Tennessee Advisory Board, Providence Christian Academy Board of Trustees, and the One Hundred Club of Rutherford County, Inc. Prior to joining NHC , Mr. Kidd was in public accounting for 10 years. Mr. Kidd is a Certified Public Accountant and received his B.S. in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University in 1998.
Brian Kidd, CFO
Brian F. Kidd (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) joined the company in 2008. Prior to being promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in 2023, Mr. Kidd served as Vice President of Financial Reporting and Director of Financial Reporting. His responsibilities at NHC have included overseeing and reviewing all aspects of internal and external financial reporting, which includes compliance and monitoring of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and SEC requirements.
He currently serves on the boards of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, Middle Tennessee State University Foundation Board of Trustees, Middle Tennessee State University Accounting Advisory Board, Murfreesboro Water Resources Board, Regions Bank Middle Tennessee Advisory Board, Providence Christian Academy Board of Trustees, and the One Hundred Club of Rutherford County, Inc. Prior to joining NHC , Mr. Kidd was in public accounting for 10 years. Mr. Kidd is a Certified Public Accountant and received his B.S. in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University in 1998.
Vicki Dodson, SVP Patient Services
Vicki L. Dodson (Senior Vice President, Patient Services) was named Senior Vice President, Patient Services on June 1, 2019. She joined NHC in 1984 and previously held the title of Assistant Vice President, Patient Services since 2017, and, prior to that, served as Electronic Health Record (EHR) Director and Comprehensive Patient Care Software (CPCS) User Analyst. She began her career with NHC as a Home Care staff nurse and then served as Director of Nursing and Regional Nurse. In 1996, Ms. Dodson came to the corporate office as a clinical user analyst to assist with the development and support of electronic patient assessments.
Ms. Dodson earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing from Austin Peay State University. She is a current member of the Tennessee and the American Nurses Associations. She is also a current member of the Clinical Practices committee for the American Health Care Association.
Vicki Dodson, SVP Patient Services
Vicki L. Dodson (Senior Vice President, Patient Services) was named Senior Vice President, Patient Services on June 1, 2019. She joined NHC in 1984 and previously held the title of Assistant Vice President, Patient Services since 2017, and, prior to that, served as Electronic Health Record (EHR) Director and Comprehensive Patient Care Software (CPCS) User Analyst. She began her career with NHC as a Home Care staff nurse and then served as Director of Nursing and Regional Nurse. In 1996, Ms. Dodson came to the corporate office as a clinical user analyst to assist with the development and support of electronic patient assessments.
Ms. Dodson earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing from Austin Peay State University. She is a current member of the Tennessee and the American Nurses Associations. She is also a current member of the Clinical Practices committee for the American Health Care Association.
Vicki Dodson, SVP Patient Services
Vicki L. Dodson (Senior Vice President, Patient Services) was named Senior Vice President, Patient Services on June 1, 2019. She joined NHC in 1984 and previously held the title of Assistant Vice President, Patient Services since 2017, and, prior to that, served as Electronic Health Record (EHR) Director and Comprehensive Patient Care Software (CPCS) User Analyst. She began her career with NHC as a Home Care staff nurse and then served as Director of Nursing and Regional Nurse. In 1996, Ms. Dodson came to the corporate office as a clinical user analyst to assist with the development and support of electronic patient assessments.
Ms. Dodson earned her Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing from Austin Peay State University. She is a current member of the Tennessee and the American Nurses Associations. She is also a current member of the Clinical Practices committee for the American Health Care Association.
Andy Flatt, SVP, CIO
B. Anderson Flatt, Sr. (Senior vice President & Chief Information Office) brought more than 32 years of experience in health care technology when he joined the company in 2017, including roles as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at HealthSpring from 2006 – 2014 and at Corizon Health from 2014-2017, and prior to that, at AIM Healthcare (now a division of Optum).
Mr. Flatt serves on the boards of Ascend Federal Credit Union and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, and Tennessee CIO. He holds a B.S. degree in Computer Science from Lipscomb University.
Andy Flatt, CIO
B. Anderson Flatt, Sr. (Senior vice President & Chief Information Office) brought more than 32 years of experience in health care technology when he joined the company in 2017, including roles as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at HealthSpring from 2006 – 2014 and at Corizon Health from 2014-2017, and prior to that, at AIM Healthcare (now a division of Optum).
Mr. Flatt serves on the boards of Ascend Federal Credit Union and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, and Tennessee CIO. He holds a B.S. degree in Computer Science from Lipscomb University.
Andy Flatt, CIO
B. Anderson Flatt, Sr. (Senior vice President & Chief Information Office) brought more than 32 years of experience in health care technology when he joined the company in 2017, including roles as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at HealthSpring from 2006 – 2014 and at Corizon Health from 2014-2017, and prior to that, at AIM Healthcare (now a division of Optum).
Mr. Flatt serves on the boards of Ascend Federal Credit Union and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, and Tennessee CIO. He holds a B.S. degree in Computer Science from Lipscomb University.
Josh McCreary, SVP, General Counsel
Josh A. McCreary joined NHC as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in 2019. Prior to joining NHC, Mr. McCreary practiced law for 20 years at Hudson, Reed, and McCreary, PLLC. In private practice, he regularly counseled and represented businesses, governments, and individuals in a wide variety of transactional, compliance, and litigation matters. He also served as the County Attorney for Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Mr. McCreary serves as a board member of Barnabas Vision, Inc and the Discipleship Tutorial. He received his J.D. Magna Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee where he also served as an editor on the Tennessee Law Review. Mr. McCreary received his B.A. degree from Lipscomb University.
Josh McCreary, General Counsel
Josh A. McCreary joined NHC as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in 2019. Prior to joining NHC, Mr. McCreary practiced law for 20 years at Hudson, Reed, and McCreary, PLLC. In private practice, he regularly counseled and represented businesses, governments, and individuals in a wide variety of transactional, compliance, and litigation matters. He also served as the County Attorney for Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Mr. McCreary serves as a board member of Barnabas Vision, Inc and the Discipleship Tutorial. He received his J.D. Magna Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee where he also served as an editor on the Tennessee Law Review. Mr. McCreary received his B.A. degree from Lipscomb University.
Josh McCreary, General Counsel
Josh A. McCreary joined NHC as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in 2019. Prior to joining NHC, Mr. McCreary practiced law for 20 years at Hudson, Reed, and McCreary, PLLC. In private practice, he regularly counseled and represented businesses, governments, and individuals in a wide variety of transactional, compliance, and litigation matters. He also served as the County Attorney for Rutherford County, Tennessee.
Mr. McCreary serves as a board member of Barnabas Vision, Inc and the Discipleship Tutorial. He received his J.D. Magna Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee where he also served as an editor on the Tennessee Law Review. Mr. McCreary received his B.A. degree from Lipscomb University.
Our History
Steve Flatt, CEO & Inside Director
Robert G. Adams has served NHC for 38 years – 18 years as Senior Vice President, 10 years as Chief Operating Officer, five years as President, 12 years as CEO and 24 years on the Board of Directors. He became Chairman of the Board on January 1, 2009. He has extensive long-term health care experience, including serving NHC as a health care center administrator and Regional Vice President.
As a management representative on the Board, Mr. Adams provides a unique perspective regarding the business and strategic direction of the Company and brings his experience in all aspects of the Company’s business to the Board’s deliberations. Mr. Adams has a B.S. degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He also served on the board of National Health Realty, Inc. from December 1997 through October 2007.
NHC is recognized nationwide as an innovator in the delivery of quality senior care. Our founder, Dr. Carl Adams had a vision in 1971 to provide higher quality healthcare services for seniors. His dream was to create a campus concept that offered in-house services for residents as they age with different needs much like the continuing care retirement community of today.
Decades of pursuing a better way led NHC to our greater commitment toward patient and resident satisfaction with the adoption of our 20 promises. Our Better Way 20 promises mark the continuous commitment to our customers to deliver compassionate care and excellent service.