For many years, I have had the privilege of serving this coastal community. Long before becoming president of the Novant Health Coastal Region, I began my career as a pharmacist at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. Working alongside a dedicated care team shaped how I view our responsibility to the people who live and work here. 

That experience taught me that great care is about more than medicine. It’s about people, trust and being present when it matters most. Those lessons continue to guide me today and are reflected in the work our teams do every day across Novant Health. 

Our commitment to community reaches far beyond our hospital walls. We have partnered with Habitat for Humanity to help build homes, offered free health screenings at local barbershops and supported dozens of events that promote healthier lives. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked with a local movie theater to provide convenient access to vaccines. And during severe hurricanes, our team members sheltered in place to care for patients who relied on us and could not be evacuated. Time and again, our people have stepped forward to serve with compassion and purpose. 

In recent years, we have focused on expanding access to care. Wilmington and southeastern North Carolina continue to grow rapidly, and with that growth comes increased demand for high-quality, convenient healthcare. For a community of our size, we are fortunate to have advanced facilities staffed by highly skilled clinicians and caregivers. This level of care is the result of intentional investment by Novant Health in facilities, technology, education and our team members. 

We have opened two Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinics to better serve our communities, and across coastal North Carolina we are making primary, advanced and specialty care more accessible than ever. The new Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center brings quality care closer to home for northern New Hanover County and eastern Pender County, and our recently opened ambulatory surgery center in Leland expands access for the growing communities of Brunswick County. 

We are also planning for the future through a major expansion at the main campus of Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center. This next phase of growth is designed to support rising patient volumes, enhance the care environment and strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality care close to home. As our region continues to grow, this investment will help ensure we can meet community needs today while preparing for what’s ahead. 

At the center of everything we do are our physicians, advanced practice providers, clinical specialists and support team members. They serve this community with skill, compassion and dedication. You see them at soccer practices, in grocery stores and volunteering through organizations such as Work On Wilmington. Together, they make Novant Health a trusted healthcare provider and our region a better place to live. 

They are part of the culture we have built at Novant Health. We are committed to respecting, supporting and valuing our team members. I am especially proud that Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces. This recognition reflects a culture rooted in belonging, teamwork and shared purpose — and it reinforces that investing in our people strengthens both our care and our community. 

Our connection to this region runs deep, and so does our responsibility to it. We have been here for decades, and we will continue to be here for generations to come. Thank you for the trust you place in us each day. Together, we are building a healthier future for our coastal communities.