VOL. 131 | NO. 214 | Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Memphis Newsmakers
Obaji Named New CEO Of McDonald Murrmann Clinic
By Kate Simone
Rola Obaji has been named CEO of McDonald Murrmann Women’s Clinic. Obaji, who has more than 20 years’ experience managing medical groups, comes to McDonald Murrman from Integrity Oncology, where she had served as CEO since 2009.
Hometown: Born in Aleppo, Syria, and grew up in Amman, Jordan
Experience: I have over 20 years of experience managing medical groups. Most recently, I held the position of CEO for Integrity Oncology from 2009 to 2016. Prior to Integrity Oncology, I spent eight years working for Family Cancer Center – first as the marketing director and then the vice president of administration – and seven years serving as Administrator for Dr. Suhail Obaji, MD, PC.
Family: Husband, Dr. Suhail Obaji; Daughter, Noor, 25; and son, Zach, 20
Favorite quote: “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” – Elbert Hubbard
What talent do you wish you had? Definitely singing – I love singing and wish I had the talent to match!
Who has had the greatest influence on you and why? My husband, Dr. Suhail Obaji. He’s wise, calm, and I’ve always admired his depth and outlook on life. Over the years, we even worked together – he has served as inspiration both personally and professionally.
What attracted you to McDonald Murrman’s Women’s Clinic? The strong women who have led this practice for 20 years, the loyal and satisfied patients, the mission to provide the best, most comprehensive care and McDonald Murrmann’s reputation in this city all influenced my decision to join this group.
What are your goals as CEO? I want to support the growth of this clinic while adding to its exceptional reputation. Marking 20 years this month, McDonald Murrmann has established itself at the forefront of women’s care in this city. I plan to work hard to uphold this reputation, as well as build upon it, by working to incorporate more offerings that benefit a woman’s overall wellness.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? With no hesitation, my kids and family. They are absolutely my greatest accomplishment.
What do you most enjoy about your work? When both the patients and the doctors are satisfied with their clinic experience. As the CEO, my job is to ensure the patients receive the best care possible and that the doctors are able to practice medicine in an environment that yields the greatest results.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people, what would it be? It’s cliché, but be patient. Goals aren’t met immediately or sometimes change as you grow and evolve. Keep working towards your goals, despite challenges and setbacks. It makes the success even sweeter.
Tanja L. Thompson, office managing shareholder of Littler’s Memphis office, has been elected to the American Bar Association Section of Labor and Employment Law Council. Thompson was one of a dozen management-side labor and employment lawyers named as a council member among the section’s nearly 20,000 members. She also currently serves as employer vice-chair of the ABA Labor and Employment Law Section’s Budget and Finance Committee.
Glen G. Reid, senior counsel with Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs LLP, has been recognized as one of Tennessee’s top trial attorneys by Benchmark Litigation 2017. The publication named Reid a “litigation star,” which describes lawyers who are recommended by peers and clients as having established consistent reputations as trial attorneys who handle complex, high-stakes cases in multiple jurisdictions.
Thomas L. Parker, a shareholder in Baker Donelson’s Memphis office, has been inducted as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Parker is a trial lawyer who conducts internal corporate investigations; defends corporate and individual clients in government investigations and those accused of white-collar crime; and serves as defense counsel in medical malpractice cases.
Sally Stover has joined WKNO Public Broadcasting as marketing manager. Stover brings 21 years of marketing and development experience to WKNO. In her new role, she will develop, maintain and nurture sponsor relationships with area businesses, foundations and individuals for WKNO-TV and WKNO-FM.
Looney Ricks Kiss has promoted Memphis employees Damon L. Brider, Jason R. Weeks, Kyle D. Archer, Michael Zielinski and Scott Van Der to senior associates, architecture. Employees promoted to associate include Felicia Thomas, accounting & programs navigator; Jodi Davis, interior design; Jonathan Flynt, architecture/planning; and Krissy Buck Flickinger and P. Lloyd Paul, architecture.
Dr. Frank Groner, president emeritus of Baptist Memorial Hospital, has been inducted into the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame. In addition to his work at Baptist, Groner has served as a commissioner on the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals and as a health consultant to the federal government.
Memphis in May International Festival has been awarded 11 Pinnacle awards at the 2016 International Festival & Events Association’s Annual Convention & Expo. Memphis in May’s honors span four gold awards, two silver awards and five bronze awards, including a bronze Grand Pinnacle for overall excellence.