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Alumnus Recognized for Outstanding Servant Leadership

Regent University alumnus Jeff Radford was given the Select Medical Way Servant Leader Award.
Jeff Radford ’07.

In early April, Jeff Radford ’07 (School of Business & Leadership, DSL) was awarded the Select Medical Way Servant Leader Award, an award given to the Select Medical CEO who embodies the values of servant leadership. The award was presented at the company’s annual CEO/Medical Director conference.

Radford is the CEO of Select Specialty Hospital-TriCities in Bristol, Tennessee.

“As the name implies, a servant leader is one who is there with you, in the trenches, sleeves rolled up working side-by-side,” said Bob Padalino, former president of the LTAC Division for Select Medical. Padalino presented the award to Radford. “This CEO is the text book definition for leading by example. Through inspiration and guidance, this CEO coaches individuals and works with them to find their strengths and develop them around their individual talents.”

Radford’s career in healthcare started at age 17 when he volunteered with his local rescue squad. While he was an EMT, he earned his degree in nursing and worked in a variety of areas as a registered nurse. He eventually transitioned into a leadership career and joined Select Medical in 2009 as a Chief Nursing Officer. He assumed the role of CEO at Select Specialty Hospital-TriCities in 2015.

Select Medical hospitals form a national network of more than 100 long-term acute care sites. Known as Select Specialty or Regency, their hospitals provide comprehensive, specialized care for high-acuity patients who need more time to recover.

“It was very humbling to be selected to receive this award because our company has many talented leaders,” Radford said. “God calls us to serve, and I have committed my life to this calling. To receive this recognition only validates that I am fulfilling His purpose for my life.”

Reflecting on his time as a Regent student, Radford can see how his coursework and interactions with faculty were designed to give him the tools he needed to be an outstanding servant leader. “I enjoyed how my professors took a personal interest in my success as a student,” he said. “They were encouragers, listeners, and showed servant leadership.”