Nina Smothers retires from position
Longtime Baptist Memorial – Carroll County Pharmacy Director Nina Smothers of Huntingdon has retired and Brianna McKinney of McKenzie has been chosen to fill the position.
Nina devoted 47 years to her profession at Baptist.
“It has been my privilege to work as a pharmacist in the state since 1974,” said Nina. “I began as a relief pharmacist in community pharmacy and then I was hired at Carroll County General Hospital in Huntingdon to organize a pharmacy department.”
The medication system was previously managed by the director of nursing.
She says her initial memorable moment in that endeavor was finding the control cough syrups in the administrator’s bathroom and also, seeing that the CNO had all the PO medications poured into matching bottles.
“My peers have provided great learning opportunities,” she said. “The people I have had the opportunity to work with and the relationships I have built in my various roles remain the greatest treasures of my career. Thank you for this moment of reflection and appreciation.”
Brianna says she is sincerely humbled to follow Nina’s example and assume the role of Director of Pharmacy.
“Nina and myself bonded over our love for the profession of pharmacy and our shared communities,” said Brianna. “I am excited and thankful for the opportunity to help provide care here at BMH – Carroll County, alongside a hospital full of others ready to do the same.”
Nina has three children: Nathan, Anna and Jack Smothers.
She obtained a BS degree in Pharmacy from UT Pharmacy School in 1974 and a MBA in Health Services Management in 1998.
Nina began her career with BMH Carroll County in 1975 as the Pharmacy Director and Ancillary Services Manager.
She was selected for the 2016 Pharmacist of the Year award. She was a member of the Tenn. Board of Pharmacy 2010-2016. She served as president of the TSHP 2001-2002 and also on various committees throughout the years, including ASHP and TPA.
Through her community service, she has served as a member of the Huntingdon Business and Professional Women’s Club from 1974-1990. She served the club in many officers including Vice-President, President-elect, President, Young Careerist in 1978, and Woman of the Year in 1981. She received the State Program Award during her year as program chair.
She has also served several terms on the Huntingdon Town Council and is the current vice mayor.
Brianna grew up in McKenzie and graduated from McKenzie High School in 2014. In 2017, she received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a concentration in Cell and Molecular.
From there, she attended pharmacy school at Union University College of Pharmacy where she obtained a dual Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Pharmacy Degree in 2021.
She resides in McKenzie with her husband, Austin and two Labrador Retrievers, Hank and Maggie.
She is the daughter of Brad and Amber Douglas of Huntingdon and Dustie and Tammy Graves of McKenzie.
