Uplands Village Appoints Cathy Taylor Interim Leader

After a diligent search for an interim president and CEO for Uplands Village in Pleasant Hill, Tenn., The Uplands board announced June 26 the appointment of Cathy Taylor as interim leader. Taylor also serves as administrator of Uplands Village Wellness Center and Wharton Homes.

Taylor, a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) has been a nursing home administrator for the past 12 years. She comes to her new role from her current position as nursing home administrator for Uplands. Taylor also holds an MBA degree with an emphasis in health service administration.

“Cathy brings a wealth of experience as a dispatched healer and community builder, making her uniquely qualified for this role,” said Debra B. Graham, chair of the Uplands board of directors. “Her vision for Uplands Village is centered on harmony and unity, which we believe is exactly what our organization needs at this time.”

Taylor’s appointment comes following the resignation of Herschel Murner, who stepped down from his position to devote time and attention to his family before taking the next step in his career.

“Herschel Murner led Uplands Village through a challenging yet rewarding time, and we are forever grateful for the vision and passion he has shown,” said Graham. “He helped to lay a solid foundation for the community’s next phase of growth and development, including many hours of stressful overtime on weekends during the COVID period working in various staff positions. … the board looks forward to what Uplands will accomplish in the future because of this foundation.”

Taylor’s experience includes serving for more than eight years as administrator and, later, executive director of the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society in Waukon, Iowa. She also was senior operations manager for The Centers for Habilitation for more than three years.

“We acknowledge that transitions can be challenging. However, we are confident in Cathy’s ability to foster a positive and cohesive environment,” Graham said. “Her commitment to creating a supportive and collaborative community is clear, and we are excited about the future under her leadership.”