Nashville's Ascension St. Thomas Honors Three Leaders in the Nation’s Health Care Capital

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The black-tie benefit at JW Marriott Nashville supported the Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation’s work with patients and caregivers across Middle Tennessee.

The Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation inducted two physicians and a Nashville civic leader into the Seton Society on Saturday, Nov. 7, at its annual Seton Gala.

Dr. Burton F. Elrod, Dr. Timothy C. Mangrum, and Wanda Lyle were recognized for their leadership in health care as well as for their contributions to the Nashville community.

The gala at JW Marriott Nashville marked 35 years of the Seton Society, which was established in 1991 to recognize people whose service has shaped health care and philanthropy in the region. Proceeds benefit the Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation, which supports programs ranging from mobile mammography to direct patient assistance.

Meet the 2026 Seton Society inductees

Dr. Burton F. Elrod spent nearly two decades as head team physician for the Tennessee Titans, a role he held from 1997 to 2016. The orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist founded Elite Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center and also served as a team physician for his alma mater, Lipscomb University.

Dr. Timothy C. Mangrum, a physician and clinical professor, previously served as medical director of Saint Thomas Medical Group. The foundation’s media brief highlighted his work to improve the quality of care, help physicians develop professionally and support medical missions. Mangrum’s clinical background spans internal medicine and pediatrics.

Wanda Lyle led the UBS Business Solutions Center in Nashville before serving as interim president and CEO of the Center for Nonprofit Management. She spent nine years on the Ascension Saint Thomas board and has also served on the boards of NashvilleHealth, the Nashville Public Education Foundation and the YWCA.

What the gala supports across Middle Tennessee

In 2026, The Ascension Saint Thomas Foundation invested $8.8 million in patient support, employee assistance and health care initiatives, according to its gala media brief. That included direct assistance for more than 8,100 patients and 295 employees. The foundation also supports caregiver education, neonatal and cancer care, mobile mammography and its Medical Mission at Home program.

The 35th Seton Gala has also raised over $500,000, which will continue to support the Ascension St. Thomas Foundation mission to provide "spiritually centered, holistic care that sustains and improves the health of the Middle Tennessee communities."