Event Honors Champions of Williamson Health’s Cardiology Services and Supports More for You. Close to Home. Campaign

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (Oct. 21, 2026) – The Williamson Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Williamson Health, recently hosted the second annual Williamson Health Honors: An Evening of Excellence in Philanthropy. The event honored supporters of Williamson Health’s cardiology services while also raising funds for the More for You. Close to Home. campaign. George and Megan Shinn co-hosted the event on the grounds of their home in partnership with the Williamson Health Foundation, while Nancy Jones and Keith Bilbrey served as emcees and Megan Alexander welcomed guests as the Red Carpet Host.

“The Honors event is an opportunity to celebrate those unsung heroes who embody leadership, generosity and a commitment to serving others,” said Leigh Williams, Executive Director of the Williamson Health Foundation. “We’re proud to honor the individuals and groups who have helped advance Williamson Health’s mission of excellence in healthcare for our community.”

The event honored recipients whose leadership, compassion and philanthropy have made a lasting impact for Williamson Health patients across the county, including:

• Caroline Bryan, Leadership Award: Bryan, co-chair of the Williamson Health Foundation capital campaign, received this award in recognition of her commitment to the community and her visionary leadership in helping shape the future of Williamson Health. Her dedication, purpose and leadership have made a lasting impact on the organization and the community it serves.
• The Brett Boyer Foundation, Community Award: The Brett Boyer Foundation received this award in recognition of its commitment to raising awareness of congenital heart disease (CHD), funding research and supporting families affected by the condition. Through the foundation’s involvement in initiatives benefiting the Williamson Health Foundation, that mission continues to make a meaningful impact on the health of our community.
• Williamson Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Services, Heart of Healthcare Award: The Williamson Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Services team received this award in recognition of its commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Through encouragement, guidance and support, the team helps patients navigate recovery, regain confidence and improve their quality of life. The team’s dedication to walking alongside patients through challenging moments embodies the heart of healthcare and Williamson Health’s mission.
• Amit Keswani, M.D., Ascension Saint Thomas Heart; Brian Long, M.D., Vanderbilt Heart; Mission Impact Award: Dr. Keswani of Ascension Saint Thomas Heart Franklin and Dr. Long of Vanderbilt Heart at Williamson Medical Center received this award in recognition of their extraordinary commitment to Williamson Health’s mission and the future of healthcare in our community. Both physicians are interventional cardiologists serving on the Williamson Health Foundation’s Physicians Leadership Council. Dr. Long chairs the Williamson Health Cardiology Committee and is the director of the Cardiac Rehab Program, while Dr. Keswani chairs the Williamson Health Chest Pain Committee and oversees the Primary Heart Attack Center certification for acute heart care. Through their clinical expertise and leadership, both are helping advance Williamson Health’s vision of ensuring patients have access to high-quality care close to home.
• George Shinn, Legacy Award: Shinn received this award in recognition of his longstanding commitment to philanthropy and his dedication to improving lives through healthcare, education and community service. Through his support of organizations including Lipscomb University, Samaritan’s Purse and the Charlotte Rescue Mission, as well as his work providing medical resources and disaster relief, he has made a lasting impact on communities near and far. In 2025, he and his wife opened Longevity Health Center in Franklin, expanding access to imaging services that can help save lives. His generosity and vision for accessible healthcare continue to strengthen Williamson Health and help build a healthier future for generations to come.

Additionally, the Williamson Health Foundation recognized a group of inspiring cardiology patient honorees who exemplified courage and resilience: DeLacy Bellenfant, Emy Jo Bilbrey, Steve Dugas, Beth Ingram, Mark Harless, Robert Langsdon, Andrew Mauck, Gail Quayle, Troy Stephenson and William Tipps. These honorees were given special gifts from Fink’s Jewelers, official jeweler of Williamson Health Honors.

Event sponsors also included JE Dunn as the Grand Ole sponsor, Ascension Saint Thomas as the Center Stage sponsor, and Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute as the In the Spotlight sponsor.

The award ceremony was followed by remarks from the emcees, live entertainment and philanthropic support efforts. The event raised meaningful funds for the More for You. Close to Home. campaign of the Williamson Health Foundation, and at the end of the evening, Nancy Jones announced plans for a personal campaign in honor of George Jones’ legacy to benefit Williamson Medical Center and the community.

The More for You. Close to Home. campaign will continue through December 2026. To donate, visit https://williamsonhealth.org/williamson-health-foundation/more-for-you-close-to-home/.

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ABOUT WILLIAMSON HEALTH FOUNDATION | The Williamson Health Foundation, Inc., serves as the charitable and development arm that supports Williamson Health, which includes Williamson Medical Center, the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Vanderbilt at Williamson Medical Center and Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee in providing best-in-class healthcare services to the families of our community. The Foundation oversees capital projects and health outreach programs, seeking charitable gifts of all types to provide ways to continuously improve the quality of patient care. To learn more about the Williamson Health Foundation, visit https://williamsonhealth.org/williamson-health-foundation/.