The McNabb Center is thrilled to celebrate Paula Hudson, vice president of Organizational Excellence, as the recipient of the 2024 TAMHO Distinguished Service Award. This prestigious honor recognizes Paula’s extraordinary and long-standing dedication to behavioral health and her impactful contributions to the community-based system across Tennessee.

With a career spanning over three decades, Paula has been a transformative leader in advancing compliance, quality systems and innovative solutions. She began her journey at the McNabb Center in 1990 as an adult case manager, serving individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Her compassion and hands-on experience with the community set the foundation for her career.The McNabb Center

As the Center’s corporate compliance and privacy officer, Paula has established a robust compliance program, earning her a statewide reputation as an expert and leader in her field. Under her leadership, the McNabb Center has consistently achieved the highest level of CARF accreditation for 23 years, reflecting her dedication to excellence and innovation.

Beyond her work at the McNabb Center, Paula has made significant contributions at the state and national levels. She has served on the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services’ Licensure Review Panel, chaired TAMHO’s Compliance and Quality Committee (CQC) and is an active member of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Health Care Fraud Working Group. Her collaborative approach, expertise in regulations and commitment to supporting other organizations have strengthened behavioral health services across Tennessee.

Paula’s passion for excellence extends beyond systems and processes—she’s a mentor, advocate and trusted resource for her peers. Her work has had a profound impact on the McNabb Center, its staff and the thousands of individuals served by the organization.

We are incredibly proud of Paula and her unwavering dedication to improving lives. Congratulations, Paula, on this well-deserved recognition of your extraordinary service!