Patrick Birmingham is Vice President of Governmental Relations for Covenant Health. As a large organization that cares for a significant population in East Tennessee, Covenant Health must develop and maintain effective relationships with governmental representatives and public officials in the communities we serve. Birmingham’s responsibilities focus on expanding efforts to share Covenant Health’s mission and enterprise-wide information with elected officials, as well as identifying legislation and funding opportunities related to the health system’s programs and services. He also works with Covenant Health’s senior leaders to establish corporate strategies, policies and plans that align with government laws, regulations and standards.

Birmingham joined Covenant Health in 2017 as Vice President of Philanthropy and Government Relations. He oversaw major gifts, planned giving, annual gift campaigns and special event fundraising for Covenant Health’s five foundations, in addition to government relations. Birmingham also had an accomplished 35-year career in media and newspaper publishing, including serving as publisher of the Corpus Christi Caller Times in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was president and publisher of the Knoxville News Sentinel prior to joining Covenant Health.  

Why I work for Covenant Health:

“Prior to being employed by Covenant Health, I served as a Covenant Health board member.  Having access to a robust healthcare system is critically important to the quality of life in a community.  It is equally important to the overall economic development of a community, as it can directly impact the growth of industry, business and the populace of a community.  For me, the choice to join Covenant Health was an easy one.  Why not be part of the largest, best healthcare system in East Tennessee?  In my role, I get to work for a non-profit organization in a capacity that allows me to help others and give back.  It is both a rewarding and fulfilling scenario for me.”