Friends of Children’s Hospital Announces the Retirement of Executive Director
Friends of Children’s Hospital has announced the retirement of Executive Director Tena McKenzie effective May 31, 2021.
In 2015, McKenzie assumed the role of Friends’ first executive director. “As Executive Director for Friends of Children’s Hospital for the past six years, Tena’s leadership has helped build a foundation for our organization that can be used for years to come to ensure we continue to serve children, and for that – and her - we are immensely grateful” remarked Melanie Morgan, Chair of Friends of Children’s Hospital.
Sara Ray, former chair of Friends of Children’s Hospital commented, “When the Friends of Children’s Hospital Board decided to hire an Executive Director, I knew Tena was the only person for the job. Having worked with Friends for twenty-four years through her position at UMMC, her wealth of knowledge was invaluable. While I am happy for her as she enters the next chapter of her life, the void she leaves behind will be significant and her contributions will be dearly missed.”
After nearly 31 years of dedication to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and Friends of Children’s Hospital (Friends), McKenzie said she is grateful for it all.
Co-founder of Friends of Children’s Hospital, Suzan Thames exclaimed, “I’ll always call Tena my rainbow, sun and kite gal! Reflecting back,” Thames said, “She has been at the side of sick children and their families since her arrival more than three decades ago. Batson Children’s Hospital, Friends of Children’s Hospital and Children’s of Mississippi will be forever indebted for the many miracles she made possible.”
Dr. Owen B. “Bev” Evans, former chair of the Department of Pediatrics and founder of Friends comments, “Tena and I, along with leaders of Friends, worked as a team to expand awareness and enhance the facilities of the children’s hospital. Tena was the star of the team, and at times the coach, general manager and even the ‘water boy’, when needed. I was fortunate to have worked with her in all capacities and will miss her presence, but I wish her well in her retirement.”
Devoting six years to Friends, McKenzie is thankful to the courageous patients and families and dedicated colleagues who have been a part of her story. McKenzie said, “To have worked alongside such a dedicated group of volunteers and sponsors to build Batson Children's Hospital and improve health care for Mississippi children has been an incredible gift in my life. I know Friends will continue exceeding expectations and make a wonderful difference in the lives of Children’s of Mississippi patients in the years ahead.”
Friends’ chairman-elect, John Scarbrough also paid tribute to McKenzie, "It was always more than a job for Tena. Working with and for the Children's Hospital was her calling. She had the hearts and minds of those children at the forefront of every decision she made. We have big shoes to fill.”
The Board of Friends will honor McKenzie for her years of service to Friends in June.
Photo above of McKenzie with Dr. Blair E. Batson, first chairman of pediatrics
at the University of Mississippi Medical Center
