Jun. 23, 2026
Covenant Health’s Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center honored longtime rehabilitation leader Al Kaye with a surprise retirement celebration on June 22. Team members, previous patients and community members recognized his extraordinary 45-year career and impact. As part of the event, officials from the City of Knoxville and Knox County proclaimed June 22 as “Al Kaye Day.”
Kaye, a visionary in rehabilitation and community-based care, has spent more than four decades helping individuals recover from life-changing injuries. His leadership helped transform rehabilitation beyond the clinical setting through innovative programs that connect patients to active, engaged living.
A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of official proclamations by some of Kaye’s former patients. In a full circle moment, Stephanie Brewer Cook, ADA coordinator for the City of Knoxville, and Carly Pearson, ADA coordinator for Knox County, both presented the honors.
“When I met Al, I was 14 and didn’t want to be seen in a wheelchair,” Cook said. “He changed that completely. He helped me see it wasn’t about the wheels; it was about living my life. Nearly four decades later, I’m one of thousands whose life he’s impacted. His influence continues to shape our entire community.”
Pearson added, “When I first met Al, I was recovering from a catastrophic injury and truly believed the life I knew was over. He helped open the door to see there was still a full, active life ahead. His impact through his work and rehabilitation advocacy in our community will be felt across Knox County for generations.”
In 1994, Kaye was instrumental in founding the Innovative Recreation Cooperative (IRC). This groundbreaking program has since served more than 15,000 participants. The IRC introduced pioneering adaptive recreation opportunities in Tennessee, including water skiing, scuba diving and other activities. The program has helped individuals with disabilities build confidence, independence and improved quality of life.
“The IRC continues to be a vital extension of rehabilitation, connecting individuals to community experiences,” said Tab Culbertson, chief administrative officer of Fort Sanders Regional. “For 45 years, Al has been a champion for our patients and our community. He has driven innovation and positively impacted countless individuals as they work to restore mobility and quality of life. His leadership has helped position Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center as a leader in advanced care, and his vision has extended that care far beyond our walls.”
Kaye said, “After four decades, you realize it’s not about the programs themselves. It’s about the lives changed along the way. It’s been a privilege and an honor to touch so many lives over 45 years. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that the real legacy is the people who carry the work forward.”
Kaye also has supported broader community wellness initiatives, including the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. He has remained committed to supporting recovery beyond medical treatment and into active living.
During Kaye’s retirement celebration, Chip Bryant, chief philanthropy officer of Covenant Health also announced the creation of the Al Kaye Excellence Endowment, which will further cement Kaye’s legacy and commitment to advancing rehabilitation and community wellness efforts.
As Kaye prepares to retire later this year, colleagues, patients and community members celebrated a career defined by innovation, compassion and a dedication to improving lives.
To learn more about the IRC, how it offers adaptable recreation options for those impacted by lifechanging illness or injury and the activities scheduled throughout the summer, visit covenanthealth.com/fort-sanders-regional/innovative-recreation-cooperative.
About Covenant Health
Covenant Health is an East Tennessee-based healthcare enterprise committed to providing the right care at the right time and place. As a not-for-profit health system, we are dedicated to being the region’s premier healthcare network through service, community and innovation. We provide patient-centered care that inspires clinical and service excellence and strives to be the first and best choice for our patients, employees, physicians, employers, volunteers and communities. Covenant Health is the area’s largest private employer with more than 14,000 compassionate caregivers, expert clinicians, and dedicated employees, in addition to valuable volunteers. Learn more at CovenantHealth.com.
