Colonel Sal Herrera leads with purpose in health community
A West Point graduate and former Deputy Commander of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, Sal Herrera served 25 years in the Army, retiring as a Colonel. Since 1998, he and his family have called Clarksville home — a community that supported them through deployments and became the foundation for his next chapter.
Raised in California by Mexican migrant parents, Sal and his twin brother were the first in their family to join the military. West Point opened doors to education and opportunity. His leadership was shaped by his parents’ example, Army mentors and the challenges of combat, teaching him to lead with empathy, prioritizing his team and grow through adversity.
After retiring in 2016, Sal joined HCA Healthcare, supported by a network of veterans. Like many, he faced challenges transitioning to corporate life, but HCA Healthcare recognized his leadership and operational strengths. Today, he leads IT operations with the same dedication he brought to the Army, mentoring a young team and preparing for global initiatives.
Sal remains active in Clarksville, serving on local boards and supporting nonprofits. His community involvement reflects his gratitude for the city that welcomed his family. He also mentors transitioning service members, encouraging them to explore new paths, share their stories and lead with humility.
With TriStar Health planning a new hospital in Clarksville, Sal sees a pivotal moment for local healthcare. For years, families in Clarksville and Fort Campbell have traveled for specialized care. The new facility will bring high-quality services closer to home, especially benefiting veterans and military families.
Sal’s story shows that service doesn’t end with the military — it evolves, continuing to shape his team, his community and the future of healthcare in Clarksville.