I Am Jackson: Amy Garner
/Amy Garner
What is your hometown?
I grew up in Milan. My aunt, Ruby Schoonover, worked at the Jackson Clinic for almost 59 years, and I spent weekends visiting her and other family members as a child. I attended Union University, and then moved to Paris, TN, and back to Jackson in 2003. Jackson has always been a special place to me.
What is your profession?
I am currently the Chief Compliance & Communications Officer for West Tennessee Healthcare. My profession “chose” me. My undergraduate degree is in accounting, which was my first job with the organization. Not long after I started, many mentors had other plans and asked me to tackle various jobs throughout the years. I’ve never said “no” to any job I’ve been asked to do in the organization (even though I’ve always had doubts about my qualifications). I’ve been blessed each time I’ve been asked to do something new. I’ve jumped in and learned everything I could about every position I’ve had.
What are some of your favorite things about Jackson?
It is so close to Memphis and Nashville, but you can find anything you need or almost any kind of activity here. We have a world-class healthcare community that many people are not aware of. We have the best heart and vascular team in the state and a compassionate team of healthcare providers providing many other high-quality specialties like cancer care, surgical care, and imaging services. But it’s truly the people in our community who make this the most wonderful place to work, live, and raise a family.
Three words that best describe you.
Hospitable (I love to cook, entertain, and host friends). Professional (I try to always consider how I represent WTH because I love the organization so much, and I feel so honored to have the role I have). Learner (I am constantly trying to learn new things, and I consider myself a professional student).
Favorite place to go out?
I love spending time with my friends, whether at our home or attending a fundraising event, or just having wine and listening to live music at the Amp or a local winery during the summer. There’s so much to do here if you love the arts or dining out.
I love fishing! It’s therapeutic, and reminds me of fishing with my grandfathers when I was younger. My mother and I go together anytime we get the opportunity.
What is one thing that you do not go a day without?
I make it a priority to read every day. If I don’t get a few pages in each day, I feel like I’ve failed myself. It’s become an obsession.
Finish this statement, I AM JACKSON because…
I absolutely love this community. My family, my friends, my education, and my career are all rooted in this great community, and I only foresee it just getting better and better with time. We have so much to be grateful for to be able to call this place our home!
