Geri Eaves, Vice President of Ambulatory Services on Influential Women
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Influential Woman · Healthcare

Geri Eaves

Paramedic, EMT

Vice President of Ambulatory Services, Avanza+MedHQ

Nashville, TN 37179

4Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Aquinas College- B.S. Degree Bevill State Community College- Associate's Degree Bevill State Community College- E.M.T. Degree Western Governors University- M.B.A. Cert Paramedic Cert Registered Nurse Cert EMT Cert Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Cert Certified Nurse Operative Room Cert Certified Administrator Surgery Center Member Board member of Tennessee Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Member Member of Ambulatory Surgery Center Association (ASCA) Member Alumni member of Leadership Franklin

Her Story

About Geri

Geri Eaves is a healthcare executive with over 25 years of experience in clinical care, ambulatory surgery, and healthcare operations. She currently serves as Vice President of Ambulatory Services with MedHQ and Avanza Healthcare Strategies, where she oversees multiple surgery centers and partners with hospital systems and physician groups to expand and optimize outpatient surgical services. Throughout her career, she has developed deep expertise in ambulatory surgery center management, healthcare consulting, accreditation, quality improvement, and operational strategy.

Geri began her career in EMS as an EMT and paramedic while completing her early clinical training, which sparked her commitment to patient care. She later became a registered nurse, working in critical care settings including ICU and emergency medicine before transitioning into ambulatory surgery in 2004. Over time, she advanced through increasingly senior leadership roles such as clinical director, administrator, CEO, and regional director of operations, building a strong foundation in both clinical and executive healthcare leadership.

Today, Geri is recognized as a seasoned leader in the outpatient surgical space, known for her ability to guide complex operations while improving patient experience and organizational performance. She is also active in industry mentorship and professional associations, including the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association and the Tennessee Ambulatory Surgery Center Association. Passionate about advancing ambulatory care, she continues to focus on innovation, leadership development, and expanding access to high-quality surgical services.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Geri

01What do you attribute your success to?

My success is rooted in a 27-year career journey that began in EMS and evolved through progressively challenging roles into senior leadership within ambulatory surgery centers. The trajectory of that growth stands as my most notable achievement — particularly the pivotal transition from a clinical foundation to an operational leadership role. Over the past 20 years in leadership, including the many years i have spent in corporate Operations, I have had the privilege of overseeing multiple surgery centers and collaborating with extraordinary people from New York to California across a wide range of care settings.

What fuels my passion is the dynamic, ever-evolving nature of ambulatory surgery — a field that mirrors the constant transformation of healthcare itself. As more procedures transition out of traditional hospital settings, we are continually presented with new case types, new challenges, and new opportunities to innovate. The ability to thrive in that environment — and to play an active role in building new surgery centers alongside hospital systems and physician practices — has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I genuinely love what I do, and that enthusiasm only deepens with time.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you can build a successful career while still making a meaningful difference in healthcare and in the lives of others, which has shaped the way I approach leadership and strengthened my passion for training and supporting my teammates.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

Championing female leadership is at the top of my priorities — it's something I'm deeply and unconditionally devoted to. We simply don't have enough women in leadership roles who are using their voices to advocate for other women and push for greater representation. That needs to change. Healthcare is a field where women can build profoundly rewarding careers and make a real, lasting difference, and we need more women stepping boldly into leadership positions and lifting others up as they climb.

To young women who are just beginning their journey: trust yourself. Your perspective, your voice, and your presence in the room matter more than you know. Don't wait for permission to lead — seek out mentors who champion you, raise your hand for opportunities that stretch you, and never underestimate the power of your own ambition. Find your seat at the table, and once you're there, pull up a chair for the woman behind you. Leadership isn't just about titles; it's about influence, integrity, and the courage to advocate for what's right — especially for those who haven't yet found their voice.

The next generation of female leaders in healthcare is watching. Show them what's possible.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is balancing the demands of my leadership role while continuing to grow professionally, including pursuing my master’s degree, which is helping me expand my perspective and strengthen my ability to lead in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

Championing female leadership is a cause close to my heart — I'm committed to amplifying women's voices and advocating for their presence in leadership roles across every industry. Professionally, I'm proud to serve as a board member for the Tennessee Ambulatory Surgery Center Association and as an active member of ASCA. I'm equally passionate about giving back through Leadership Franklin in Williamson County, Tennessee, where I volunteer and engage with community boards in any way I can.

Outside of work, my world revolves around the outdoors and my family. Much of my time is spent cheering on my daughter from the sidelines and the rink as she competes in rugby and ice hockey. When we're not at her games, you'll find us riding horses, mountain biking, or finding any excuse to be outside together.

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