2024 40 Under 40: Heather Finnell

Heather Finnell’s director of finance position at Citizens Memorial Hospital exists at her suggestion. The Bolivar-based health system previously employed two finance directors – one on the hospital side and the other over the CMH foundation.

Finnell, 37, saw an opportunity to create efficiencies in the work and took the initiative to make the proposal when the foundation position came open in 2021. She got the job, now overseeing $660 million in annual revenue.

And Finnell’s in a key position as a $100 million hospital expansion is underway. She’s served as the point person for developing the financial forecast and resulting bond issue that was approved.

“The project is the most thrilling endeavor I have experienced in my career,” she says.

Your first job? A Sonic carhop. I was the only one that roller skated, so I was always first on the delivery line.

Best productivity hack? Time blocking. I find breaking things up keeps my mind fresh and keeps me from spending too much time on one thing. I pride myself on the ability to multitask.  

Favorite book/podcast? I love Mel Robbins! I have read all of her books and listen to her podcast regularly. She gets straight to the point on things and doesn’t sugarcoat it.

Favorite local food order? Civil Kitchen downtown has the best appetizers! It is a toss-up between Shuffle Truffle Fries and Crack Bread.