ECHAlliance Establishes US operations in Nashville, Appoints Eric Thrailkill as Executive Director
Nashville, TN – January 28, 2025 – ECHAlliance, a global non-profit network fostering digital health innovation, today announced the establishment of its US operations in Nashville, Tennessee. This strategic move underscores ECHAlliance’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the US market and supporting the continued growth of both domestic and global companies seeking opportunities in the thriving US healthcare landscape.
Leading this expansion is Eric Thrailkill, a seasoned healthcare executive with a proven track record in driving innovation and fostering collaboration within the industry. As the Executive Director of ECHAlliance’s US operations, Mr. Thrailkill will spearhead the organization’s efforts to build a robust network of members, facilitate partnerships, and catalyze the development and adoption of transformative digital health solutions.
“Nashville’s dynamic healthcare ecosystem, coupled with its reputation as a hub for innovation, makes it the ideal location for ECHAlliance’s US Operations,” said Mr. Thrailkill. “We are excited to tap into the wealth of talent and resources here to drive meaningful change in the way healthcare is delivered and experienced – both here in the US and abroad.”
ECHAlliance’s presence in Nashville is expected to have a significant impact on the region’s burgeoning healthcare sector. By connecting key stakeholders, including healthcare providers, payers, technology companies, associations, academia, media, and investors, ECHAlliance will create a fertile ground for collaboration and accelerate the pace of digital health innovation.
Furthermore, ECHAlliance’s global network will provide a valuable platform for US companies to expand their reach and explore international markets. Conversely, global companies seeking to enter the US market will benefit from ECHAlliance’s deep understanding of the local landscape and its ability to facilitate strategic partnerships.
Nashville is recognized as a one-of-a-kind center for innovation, home to a dynamic ecosystem of more than 900 healthcare, healthtech, and digital health companies. Nashville’s healthcare companies generate more than $97 billion in annual revenue and nearly 500,000 jobs nationwide. The city’s entrepreneurs have received more than $2 billion in venture capital investments over the last 10 years, largely in healthcare.
“We are thrilled to welcome ECHAlliance to Nashville,” said Lori Odom, SVP of Economic Development/International at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “Their presence will undoubtedly enrich our healthcare ecosystem and contribute to our city’s continued growth as a leader in healthcare innovation.”
Brian O’Connor, Chair of ECHAlliance, noted “I couldn’t think of a better hub for our US operations than Nashville. The US is so exciting with vast innovation and capital resources matched only by its need to transform healthcare. This move will amplify our efforts to connect stakeholders across the globe, fostering collaboration that drives transformation in healthcare. Eric’s achievements in Nashville make him the perfect choice to lead our expansion in the US.”
About ECHAlliance: ECHAlliance is a global non-profit network of over 1,100 organizations dedicated to promoting digital health innovation. Through its extensive network, ECHAlliance brings the global community together in a network of ecosystems of all stakeholders needed to transform health by matching need and solution, breaking down silos, transferring best practices and lessons learned across borders, transforming the industry and creating economic opportunities.
ECHAlliance has five existing ecosystems in the US MATTER (Chicago), BioscienceLA (Los Angeles), GlobalSTL (St. Louis), Central Florida Life Science Cluster (Florida) and Massachusetts Digital Health Ecosystem (Massachusetts) and currently two US Ambassadors, Nicole Althaus, CEO of Citizen Health Strategies and Jon Warner, Digital Health Board Member and Advisor to several organizations.
About Eric Thrailkill: Eric Thrailkill is a seasoned healthcare executive with over four decades of experience in the industry. He has a proven track record in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and leading successful business initiatives. Mr. Thrailkill is passionate about leveraging technology to improve healthcare outcomes and is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of patients and communities.
Mr Thrailkill founded Allee Advisory Services, serves as US Ambassador to HLTH Community, and previously chaired Project Healthcare, a program of the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. In addition, he serves as a venture partner in two digital health funds, and provides board and advisory services to various digital health companies.
