2020 Richard-Sargent Memorial Fund Grant Recipients

Austin Kirkland, CMPE, MBA, MHA

Austin has founded and developed a sought-after healthcare consultancy, led entrepreneurial physicians in large independent groups, and guided ambulatory operations and alignment strategy for a high-profile service line of a regional health system. He is an expert in high-value medical practice operations, strategic alignments, stakeholder engagement, corporate integrity and stewardship, and "win-win" negotiating and problem solving. Austin is rapidly becoming a thought leader in value-based care management. A lifelong learner, Austin is a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and a long-standing member of both the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). He is recognized as a Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) by the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) and is an aspiring ACMPE and ACHE Fellow. Austin graduated magna cum laude with an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and an MHA from Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Health Professions – both top-tier programs. He graduated cum laude with a BA from the University of Tennessee studying Political Science and Economics. Austin is Chief Solutions Officer at Outperform LLC.
 

Brent Pendergast, B.S., MPT, MBA, CMPE

Brent has served the past 20 years in various roles with the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, TN.  He started as a physical therapist clinic manager.  Eventually he directed the outpatient rehabilitation department, including multiple therapy clinics, a balance center and campus fitness center. He previously lectured for DeRoyal Industries in Powell, TN on Lymphedema Therapy and garment fitting. He crossed over to physician practices in 2007 where he currently works as a practice administrator.  Brent has managed multiple urgent and primary care physician clinics.  He has also been involved in several expansion and new practice projects.  He earned his B.S. in Health Care Administration from East Tennessee State University; Master’s in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine and his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee.  He is very engaged in the MGMA, and currently pursuing his fellowship with the American College of Medical Practice Executives.
 

Fawn Hutton, CMPE

Fawn C. Hutton, MBA, has 12 years of healthcare administration experience, with lifetime achievements in leadership. She started her healthcare career with acceptance into a competitive, three-year administrative residency program managed by healthcare executives from AdventHealth and Florida Hospital. During Mrs. Hutton's residency, she worked with senior executives and received top notch training and expertise in healthcare administration. 

Mrs. Hutton joined John Muir Health Physician Network as a Practice Manager in February 2019. Within eleven months, she was promoted to manage two additional Cardiovascular clinics. She currently manages four Cardiovascular clinics in Contra Costa County, located within the Bay Area. Mrs. Hutton's prior experience with Diablo Nephrology Medical Group, Inc. (Diablo Nephrology), where she served as Practice Manager for five years, prepared her for the operational complexities of managing four Cardiovascular clinics. Mrs. Hutton is accustomed to a demanding administrative schedule with multiple providers, medical assistants, and senior leadership. Diablo Nephrology is where Mrs. Hutton was encouraged to join MGMA. Mrs. Hutton was truly inspired by the networking and expertise offered via MGMA conferences. She committed herself to complete both the Yellow and Green Belt certificates, respectively. Mrs. Hutton's greatest accomplishment at MGMA was taking on the challenging journey to become a Certified Medical Practice Executive. However, Mrs. Hutton's goals to advance her administrative expertise still thrives on as her next endeavor with MGMA is to become an ACMPE Fellow. Mrs. Hutton enjoys providing administrative expertise in Cardiovascular care and is committed to leading the way for preeminent healthcare. Mrs. Hutton's drive for excellence and dedication to advancing the mission of John Muir Health Physician Network is truly an asset for healthcare.  

 

Teresa Armstrong, MBA/MHA, CMPE

Teresa began her healthcare career over 20 years ago and has spent her time in private and hospital owned practices.  Teresa graduated with a BSBA in Healthcare Management from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC and with her dual Master of Business Administration and Master of Health Administration degree from Pfeiffer University in Charlotte, NC.

 

Tiffany Mecham, CMPE 

Tiffany is the Practice Administrator at Idaho Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, PA. IPMR is a practice of board certified Physiatrists that has two regional clinic locations and an Ambulatory Surgery Center in the Boise, Idaho area. A graduate of Idaho State University, Tiffany has a Bachelor of Healthcare Administration and a Minor in Business. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration through Idaho State University. She earned her Board Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) through the American College of Medical Practice Executives, and is excited to continue on pursuing her Fellowship. She is an active member of Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) and Idaho MGMA (served as past board member).  Her and her husband, Cody enjoy traveling, running, camping in beautiful Idaho, and spending time with their twin boys.