RHI Legacy Foundation Announces New Executive Director

RHI Legacy Foundation


RHI Legacy Foundation Announces New Executive Director

Jill Miracle (left) with Becky McKelvey.Pat Nanney and Contributed Photos.

The RHI Legacy Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Jill Miracle as its new Executive Director, effective January 1, 2026 Miracle has served as the Foundation's Community Impact Director since 2014 and brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, grant making, and community health initiatives.

As part of this transition, Terry Hines, current Executive Director, will move into a Finance Director role with the Foundation, marking a semi-retirement while ensuring continued financial leadership and organizational continuity.

"Jill's appointment reflects both her deep understanding of this organization and the trust she has built across our community over the past decade," said Kerry Giles, Chair of the RHI Legacy Foundation. "She brings strong leadership, institutional knowledge, and a clear commitment to improving the health and wellness of Rutherford County. The Board is confident she will lead the Foundation forward with purpose and integrity while continuing the important work already underway."

In her role as Community Impact Director, Miracle facilitated the Foundation's grants process and managed grantee relationships, identified health improvement needs, planned special events, and served as Executive Director of the Community Health Council of Rutherford County. The Health Council is comprised of representatives from thirty organizations addressing health-related issues across the county.

Miracle also previously served as Executive Director of the Rutherford Hospital Foundation from April 2001 until June 2014, where she coordinated campaign efforts involving volunteers and board members that raised more than five million dollars to support services and facilities for Rutherford Regional Health System.

"I am honored to step into the role of Executive Director and grateful for the confidence the Board has placed in me," Miracle said. "RHI Legacy Foundation has a strong mission and a proven record of community impact, and I look forward to continuing our work alongside our partners to invest in projects that improve health, promote active living, and strengthen Rutherford County."

RHI Legacy Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of Rutherford County. Formed in 2014, the Foundation focuses on healthy eating and active living as key strategies to address chronic disease and improve quality of life.

Terry Hines emphasized the importance of a thoughtful leadership transition. "It has been a privilege to serve as Executive Director, and I am pleased to support this leadership transition by continuing with the Foundation in a financial role," Hines said. "Jill has been an integral part of the organization since its formation, and I am confident in her ability to lead RHI Legacy Foundation into its next chapter while maintaining the values and vision that guide our work."

Under Hines' leadership, the Foundation completed major community investments, including the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, the Legacy Soccer Park, and approximately one million dollars in grantfunded projects annually for the past ten years, that continue to support health-focused initiatives throughout the county.

RHI Legacy Foundation is a grant-making organization committed to improving health outcomes in Rutherford County through strategic investments, partnerships, and community-driven solutions. The Foundation supports initiatives that promote healthy eating, active living, and long-term improvements in chronic disease outcomes.