Print
Health Care

Whalin Tapped As Head Of Novant Health Coastal Region

By Cierra Noffke, posted Jun 3, 2026
Laurie Whalin was promoted to regional president of Novant Health Coastal Region. She will continue to serve as president of Novant Health NHRMC. (Photo by Dara Amato)
Novant Health has named Laurie Whalin senior vice president and regional president of Novant Health Coastal Region. 

According to a news release, the leadership update was made effective June 1. 

“With deep ties to these communities, each of these leaders will keep local needs at the center of focus while allowing for continued strategic growth,” said John Gizdic, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Novant Health in the release. “By aligning regional, clinical and enterprise leaders more closely, we are creating stronger connections and enabling agility across our system to drive remarkable, patient-centered care, ultimately strengthening how we serve our patients and communities.”   

The decision comes after the previous regional president of the Novant Health Coastal Region, Ernie Bovio, departed the organization earlier this year. Bovio was appointed as the regional president of UNC Health's Southeast Coastal Region in April. According to a spokesperson from Novant Health, Whalin served in an "interim expanded leadership role" following Bovio's departure. 

Whalin will continue to serve as president of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, a position she has held since 2025. Whalin previously served as president and chief operating officer of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center and vice president of clinical services at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. 

Novant also announced the appointment of Chris Bowe to regional president of the Novant Health Charlotte Region and Alisha Hutchens as regional president of the Triad Region. Both positions were effective June 1, the release said. 


 
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Wesleycorder resized

CFPUA Invested Millions this Year in Wilmington’s Infrastructure

Wesley Corder - Cape Fear Public Utility Authority Board
Badgerboxheadshot

3 Lessons I’ve Learned Since Starting Badger Box 

Chris Welch - Badger Box Mobile Storage
Jasonpathfinder3

Trump Account Update: What Parents Need to Know in 2026

Jason Wheeler - Pathfinder Wealth Consulting

Trending News

Amazon, Corning Strike Multibillion Dollar Deal To Add 1,000 NC Jobs

Cierra Noffke - Jun 8, 2026

Beacon Education Eyes Land On N. Fourth St. For Spark Academy

Emma Dill - Jun 8, 2026

In The Current Issue

State July 4 Festival Shifts For Financial Stability

Officials said that the N.C. Fourth of July Festival is an annual fundraising miracle that can’t be taken for granted because there’s no fin...


For Parks And Rec, Pause Still In Place

This spring and summer have been a rough time for the city of Southport’s Parks & Recreation Department....


Betting On A Startup Movement

The founder of the Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington (NEW) and Wilmington Angels for Local Entrepreneurs (WALE), Jim Roberts is vocal...

Book On Business

The 2026 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season