The Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, Hamilton Health Care System’s philanthropic foundation, recently honored Mrs. Dixie H. Kinard with its prestigious Humanitarian Award. The award recognizes the achievements of a community member who has devoted their time, talents and resources to enhance the quality of our local healthcare system and strengthen the fiber of our community. Over the past quarter century, only 20 individuals have received this distinguished recognition.
In presenting the award, Foundation Board Chair Scott Sellers, declared: “Tonight’s Honoree is beloved by all. Emerging as a visionary leader driven by a passion to transform our community, tonight’s recipient has a fearless spirit and innate ability to inspire change and motivate others to aspire towards greatness for our community. This year’s humanitarian has epitomized the essence of community-centric leadership, placing the needs of others above self and leaving an indelible mark on countless people. Our recipient’s journey into humanitarianism began with a profound realization – a deep-seated belief that life’s purpose was to uplift and empower others. With a dedication to Dalton and Whitfield County that is palpable in every endeavor, with a seemingly boundless energy for building community, and a clear mission of pursuing nothing less than excellence … this year’s humanitarian is our community’s biggest fan, advocate and cheerleader, Dixie Kinard.”
Born in Ball Ground, Georgia, Dixie grew up in Canton, and attended Cherokee County schools. She pursued college studies at Emory at Oxford, and graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism. Her upbringing was shaped by the remarkable influence of her parents, William G. and Hazel Hasty, who were trailblazers in education and politics, instilling in Dixie a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the world. They taught Dixie the importance of serving others through hard work and compassion.
Dixie has tirelessly initiated transformative change in Dalton, helping it to grow, prosper and thrive. In her service to her church, as well as local, state, and non-profit organizations, Dixie has left a lasting imprint. Her leadership within the Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce is marked by a relentless pursuit of progress, creating an environment where businesses thrive and community connections flourish.
Dixie’s impact extends beyond boardrooms and meetings; it resonates in the hearts of all those who know her. Dixie is not just a leader; she is a catalyst for positive action. Her ability to rally others around a shared vision is unparalleled, inspiring countless individuals to join her in building a brighter future for Dalton. Her influence is felt in many organizations in northwest Georgia: Dalton-Whitfield Chamber of Commerce, Believe Greater Dalton, The Girl Scouts, First United Methodist Church, Junior Achievement, Rotary Club of Dalton, United Way of Northwest Georgia and its Women’s Leadership Council, and her beloved Women’s Innovation Network where she serves as leader, mentor and spiritual guide.
Dixie is driven by a passionate commitment to improving our world in meaningful ways. Whether as an extraordinary mother and grandmother, a guiding light to her husband Bob, astute businesswoman, dedicated board member, or simply a good friend, her passion is centered on enhancing the lives of her family and community. This deep-rooted passion serves as the driving force behind each goal she enthusiastically pursues, leaving a lasting impact on those around her and always inspiring positive change. Ultimately, Dixie is passionate about encouraging others to be the best version of themselves. Daughter Kim Schuessler says: “My mother is a true servant leader. I am a better person because she has paved the way and taught me what is truly important in life, and that is, ‘other people!’”
Friend Anna Adamson relates, “Dixie possesses a remarkable ability to grasp the big picture. She possesses a unique ability to identify potential and believe in individuals, often seeing qualities and aspirations that they may not recognize themselves. Her commitment to nurturing talent and fostering confidence has left a lasting imprint on those fortunate to have crossed paths with her.”
Dixie is determined, direct and goal driven. Dixie is persistent, and this quality has served her well in driving positive change. Dixie and her husband founded Kinard Realty in 1974, which later became Coldwell Banker Kinard Realty, which continues to be a regional real estate leader today.
Prioritizing the collaboration of business, healthcare and education to drive regional growth, Dixie has championed educational improvements, from early childhood learning, to local public education, to providing substantial scholarships to area students at Dalton State College.
Dixie’s profound impact on Hamilton began in earnest in 1992 when she began serving as a Trustee of the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation, fulfilling seven terms. Passionate about advancing healthcare, Dixie chaired the Special Prospects Committee and was zealous in her efforts to engage the community in giving to the hospital. With a keen understanding of the importance of high quality healthcare to the future of Dalton, Dixie has continually encouraged friends and colleagues to support the Foundation’s philanthropic initiatives.
States Jane Snipes, Executive Director of the Foundation: “Dixie has shared her time, talents and resources with us tirelessly. She has recognized and adapted to the changing seasons in the life of our community, providing leadership and discernment, and remaining true to what is best for Dalton. Dixie has taken meticulous care of Dalton, and has reassured us through her constant presence, supreme guidance, and genuine love of community. She is a dear friend, mentor and guide whom I have admired for years. Her light shines in every endeavor she undertakes and in every organization she touches.”
Dixie Kinard joins past Humanitarian Award recipients Authur B. E. Lauman (1986), Jackson P. Turner (1988), James E. Brown (1990), Norman D. Burkett (1992), Mrs. Walter M. (Fannie B.) Jones (1994), David D. Hamilton (1996), Dr. Paul L. Bradley (1998), Dr. Murray B. Lumpkin (2000), G. Lamar Lyle (2002), Carl L. Griggs, Sr. (2004), James M. Boring, Jr. and Kenneth E. Boring (2006), B. Jackson Bandy (2008), Charles Hendry (2010), Robert E. Shaw (2012), Robert M. Chandler (2014), Dorothy B. Reich (2016), Shelby and Willena Peeples (2018) and Bryan E. McAllister (2022).
The Whitfield Healthcare Foundation is an affiliate of Hamilton Health Care System (System) whose mission is to encourage charitable gifts that support and advance the quality of healthcare provided by the System and its affiliates. As a not-for-profit philanthropic organization, the Foundation allocates charitable funds to enhance patient care, promote health education, and improve the quality of life for citizens in northwest Georgia.
For more information on how you can impact healthcare in our region, please contact the Foundation at 706-272-6128 or visit HamiltonHealth.com/foundation.