Parkridge Medical Centers COO creates community through work
Whitney Evans-Snardon Rising Star
› What do you do for relaxation?
I enjoy cooking and listening to music and true crime podcasts.
› What led you to become a medical professional?
I’ve always been intrigued by health care, but what solidified my decision is my younger sister. She had to go to the ER a few times before turning one. Each time, I was very cool, calm and collected. I always asked the paramedics and doctors a lot of questions. That sentiment carried over into my teen years when I helped my mom take care of my grandmother.
› If you could choose another profession, what would it be, and why?
I would be a photographer. I am not good at photography at all, but think being able to capture moments in time is an incredibly
Growing up in New Orleans, Whitney Evans-Snardon carried around a little bag that she pretended was filled with medical supplies and instruments.
“I was one of those little kids that had a doctor’s tote,” said the 34-year-old hospital executive. “I studied math and science in accelerated classes in high school (aiming to become a doctor).”
Ultimately, she decided against medical school and became a health care manager instead. This was after a brief stint as a bank teller, where she says she learned the value of customer service.
Today, Evans-Snardon is chief operating officer of Parkridge Medical Center, which is part of the vast HCA Healthcare system. She is responsible for operations at the 275-bed facility including about 500 employees.
Tested by Hurricane Katrina when she was 16 years old, and more recently by the untimely death of her mother, Evans-Snardon says the challenges in her life have given her a strong sense of community.
“Our home did not get destroyed, but it was the only one on both sides of the family that didn’t,” she recalled. “We saw my grandmother’s house on CNN flooded to the roof.”
Evans-Snardon took the job at Parkridge in 2020 in the middle of the pandemic expecting to be here only a couple of years. But two promotions and her current pregnancy have her thinking of Chattanooga as a longer-term home base.
She says one of the biggest challenges Parkridge faces is employee recruitment and retention in a low-unemployment environment. Fortunately, HCA offers good benefits and Parkridge management is committed to creating a fun, family environment for employees.
In the meantime, she has begun to put down roots.
“Chattanooga has so much to offer and has helped me grow,” she says. “It’s a good place to start a family as well. I enjoy it here and hope I’m here for quite awhile.”