In an inspiring moment for the city of Louisville, Corenza Townsend has taken the role of Chief Administrative Officer of the newly opened Norton West Louisville Hospital.
This milestone marks Townsend’s career rise within Norton Healthcare, where she began as a nurse in 2009, and symbolizes a transformative achievement for West Louisville, a community that has gone without a hospital for over 150 years.
Townsend’s journey to this historic accomplishment is a story of vision, persistence, and advocacy. Back in 2017, Townsend, along with a colleague, saw an opportunity to pitch an idea to Norton’s leadership for a healthcare festival in West Louisville.
As a longtime advocate for her community, Townsend recognized the need for more comprehensive health resources in West Louisville, a predominantly Black area of Louisville that faces economic disparities and limited access to essential services.
On their proposal, Townsend boldly included a line suggesting a hospital for the neighborhood—a vision that would later come to life despite numerous setbacks.
“There were so many people who said it couldn’t be done,” Townsend shared. “They told me I was too young, that it would be impossible to staff, that it wasn’t feasible.”
But her persistence paid off. Today, Norton West Louisville Hospital will provide critical healthcare access, economic opportunity, and community empowerment to the once-overlooked town.
The hospital will bring much-needed healthcare services to West Louisville and will provide job opportunities and a renewed sense of pride for residents.
Townsend’s journey from nurse to CAO is proof of the impact of strong, visionary leadership—especially when grounded in a deep commitment to uplifting underserved communities.
Congratulations to Corenza Townsend for her unwavering dedication to her community!
