Nannette Johnston

Hometown: Vine Grove, KY.

Education: University of Louisville (Louisville, KY), Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green, KY).

Community Support: Nannette currently serves as the Core Team Chair for the Central Kentucky Community Foundation’s HEELS Together program, serves as a Cantor for St. Brigid Church in Vine Grove and is a member of the Testify Music Ministry Group. She also has served on the Elizabethtown-Hardin County Industrial Foundation Board of Directors and she served in leadership roles with the United Way of Central Kentucky Board of Directors and the Hardin County YMCA Steering Committee. 

Occupation: Nannette is a retired educator who most recently served as a consultant with Huron/Studer Education. She worked for 33 years with the Hardin County Schools System, where she served as a teacher, as Director of Early Childhood and as Superintendent. Johnston served as Superintendent for 10 years before retiring from the school district in 2016. She currently works part-time with the Kentucky Association of School Administrators as Director of Faculty and Curriculum –Superintendent Onboarding Program and as Coordinator of Mentor Services – Kentucky Women in Education Leadership.

Family: Nannette and her husband, Kenneth, have two children and six grandchildren.

Why are you volunteering your time on the Baptist Health Foundation Hardin Board? I enjoy serving in ways that are helpful and produce beneficial outcomes for organizations and ultimately the community. Volunteering aligns with my purpose in life: to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I believe each one of us has been blessed with personal attributes, that when shared, can make the people and community around us even better. Volunteerism brings out the best in people because they share their time and talent without the expectation of financial gain.

How does healthcare support a thriving community? Two key pillars necessary in the success of economic growth and development in a thriving community are quality health care and quality education. Business and industry partners look for these attributes when considering a community for the families of their workforce. As a retired school superintendent, I remain involved in training and mentoring education leaders. I am eager and proud to support our healthcare system through the Baptist Health Foundation Board.

What does gratitude mean to you and what are you grateful for? Living in a community that’s foundation is built on strong values and a culture of gratitude can act as a magnet that draws people with the same mindset. Connecting people that live a life of gratitude with a community that embraces the same caring culture is a recipe for happiness, personal wellbeing, and a quality life. Living a life of gratitude helps you to be more reflective and observant of what is happening around you. Not only does this enhance your personal wellbeing, but it also propels you to give of yourself in ways that can help others feel equally fulfilled.