Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health is proud to announce Dr. Julie Kennedy Oehlert, DNP, RN, Chief Experience Officer, was again named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s “CXOs to Know” list for 2026, recognizing her leadership in transforming the organization’s culture to improve patient experience and outcomes.
Dr. Julie Kennedy Oehlert
“Making Becker’s CXOs to Know list is a testament to ECU Health’s commitment to prioritizing experiences that contribute to positive patient visits, improved team member engagement and overall community health,” said Dr. Oehlert. “Together, we are creating an environment where patients and team members feel supported, valued and truly cared for. I am thankful to every ECU Health team member who lives our mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina every single day.”
Chief experience officers play a vital role in shaping the full spectrum of patient and team experiences within their hospitals and health systems. According to Becker’s, the leaders featured on the list take a thoughtful, culture-driven approach, constantly seeking new ways to boost engagement, satisfaction and long-term loyalty.
Dr. Oehlert has partnered with her leadership colleagues to integrate highly reliable, people centered care into every level of the organization, championing initiatives that connect team member experience with patient experiences and outcomes. She pioneered the “Patient Choice Awards” to celebrate units and providers achieving exceptional and improved experience ratings from their patients, reinforcing a culture of compassion and excellence.
“Dr. Oehlert has championed experiences that focus on the human side of rural health care,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health and dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. “This recognition by Becker’s reflects our commitment to that vision and to our patients. Dr. Oehlert and ECU Health make it their goal to ensure patients and team members are treated with dignity and respect. We are grateful for her tremendous impact on patients and team members.”
This list celebrates CXOs for their unwavering dedication to enhancing the healthcare experience at every level. Becker’s showcases these accomplished leaders whose vision and efforts are central to the success of their organizations. The Becker’s Hospital Review editorial team accepted nominations for this list and curated it to showcase the great work of CXOs from hospitals and health systems across the nation.
GREENVILLE, N.C. – Radio listeners will once again help make a big change for kids during the 29th annual Music for Miracles radiothon March 26-27. The radiothon raises funds to help sick and injured children in eastern North Carolina through Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) to benefit the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center and will air on 107.9 WNCT and all Inner Banks Media (IBX Media) radio stations including Talk 96.3 and 103.7; Oldies 94.1 and 102.7; and 94.3 The Game.
The two-day radiothon raises funds to benefit the programs and services of Maynard Children’s Hospital, which serves pediatric inpatient and outpatient patients from 29 counties across eastern North Carolina. One hundred percent of the funds raised by ECU Health’s CMN program directly supports programs and services of Maynard Children’s Hospital.
“Once again, we are thrilled to have the radiothon on all our IBX Media stations to raise funds for James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital. It’s the highlight of our year to support the Children’s Hospital,” said Henry Hinton, president, Inner Banks Media. “I’ve personally had a grandson who needed care there, and it is a true blessing for all of eastern North Carolina to have it here. We’re looking forward to two exciting days and hope everyone will participate as they are able.”
In 1998, the first radiothon raised $5,400. Last year, the radiothon raised more than $113,000. Thanks to the loyal listeners of 107.9 and the dedicated radio staff and personalities, the event has raised more than $4 million to date. At Maynard Children’s Hospital, these funds have been used to purchase life-saving medical equipment and diversionary items for kids, provide team member and patient education and to help build new facilities.
“The radiothon continues to be one of our most impactful annual traditions, and we are deeply grateful for the steadfast dedication of the 107.9 WNCT team and everyone at Inner Banks Media,” said Elise Ironmonger, director of programs for the ECU Health Foundation. “Their commitment to broadcasting live for 12 hours across two consecutive days, supported by countless hours of planning and behind-the-scenes coordination is truly remarkable. This event is made possible through the partnership of hospital leaders, team members and, above all, the courageous miracle children and families who generously share their stories. We invite everyone to tune in and be inspired by the hope and healing this event helps make possible.”
The entire 24 hours of the radiothon will be broadcast live on 107.9 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Thursday and Friday, with the other stations broadcasting intermittently throughout the two days. To give, please call 1-800-673-5437 (1-800-673-KIDS) or visit www.GiveToCMN.com.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health remains steadfast in its mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina and ensure patients across our rural region have access to high-quality care close to home.
For many months, ECU Health has been in discussions with UnitedHealthcare to renew agreements covering Commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans.
During negotiations, ECU Health raised concerns about years of inadequate reimbursement that have strained the health system’s ability to sustain the level of care patients deserve. ECU Health hospitals went seven years without a facility rate increase, and most other years saw increases well below health care inflation.
Physicians across the system went six to nine years without reimbursement increases. During this same period, the inflationary costs of providing care rose dramatically. The cumulative effect of not receiving adequate annual increases over the past decade is that UHC is underfunding ECU Health by 50-60% of inflation-adjusted industry averages.
Rather than working collaboratively to address this long-standing gap, UnitedHealthcare is seeking a proposal that includes a double-digit payment reduction. The proposal would also result in UnitedHealthcare paying lower rates to ECU Health than any other insurer in the market.
UnitedHealthcare has referenced a cumulative multi-year figure of 58% to describe ECU Health’s proposal. That figure reflects adjustments phased in over several years intended to address more than a decade of stagnant reimbursement. Had UnitedHealthcare increased payments gradually over time in line with health care inflation, reimbursement levels today would already be close to where ECU Health is seeking to be.
“Our responsibility is to protect access to care for the people of eastern North Carolina today and for generations to come,” said Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health. “Ensuring rural patients can continue to access high-quality care close to home must remain the priority in these discussions. At a time when rural hospitals continue to close across the country due to the immense pressures associated with rural health care, we simply cannot agree to anything that would jeopardize the ability of our health system to be here for the people we serve.”
For more than a decade, ECU Health has absorbed rising labor, supply and infrastructure costs while reimbursement from UnitedHealthcare failed to keep pace.
“Simply put, health systems cannot be expected to deliver 2026 care at 2017 prices,” Dr. Waldrum said.
Despite months of good-faith negotiations, UnitedHealthcare has stepped away from active discussions, raising serious questions about UnitedHealthcare’s commitment to how their members in eastern North Carolina will continue accessing care.
“ECU Health remains at the table and ready to work toward a responsible solution,” Dr. Waldrum said. “Our priority is reaching an agreement that protects patients’ access to care while ensuring the long-term sustainability of health care in this region.”
It is important for patients to know that nothing changes today, and patients with UnitedHealthcare coverage can continue receiving in-network care at ECU Health while negotiations continue.
If an agreement is not reached, potential out-of-network timelines will vary depending on whether a patient is enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare Commercial, Medicare Advantage or Medicaid plan. Because each plan type has different contract structures and timelines, patients are encouraged to visit ECUHealth.org/UnitedHealthcare or call ECU Health’s community information line at 833-216-3258 for more information.
Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health today announced the appointment of Cathy Yablonski as the new president of Outer Banks Health following an extensive national search. Yablonski will officially join the organization on April 20.
Cathy Yablonski
“I am deeply honored to join the Outer Banks Health team,” Yablonski said. “From the very beginning, I was struck by the health system’s profound dedication to the community it serves. I’m eager to collaborate with ECU Health and Chesapeake Regional Healthcare to strengthen and expand the care we provide to both year round residents and the visitors who make the Outer Banks such a special place.”
Yablonski brings more than 30 years of progressive health care leadership experience, including hospital administration, ambulatory strategy, physician practice management and system‑level operations. She most recently served as senior vice president and chief ambulatory operations officer for Mary Washington Healthcare in Fredericksburg, Virginia, where she oversaw a division of more than 1,200 team members. Previously, she spent 14 years as chief executive of Stafford Hospital, a community hospital within the Mary Washington Healthcare system.
“Cathy is a relationship‑driven, patient‑centered leader with a deep commitment to quality, operational excellence and community health,” said Van Smith, president, ECU Health Community Hospitals. “Her experience and leadership style align seamlessly with ECU Health’s mission and values. I have full confidence she will continue to advance Outer Banks Health’s reputation of providing outstanding care.”
Outer Banks Health’s strong partnership with Dare County is a key component of expanding access to high quality care for residents and visitors. With the support of county leaders, the health system continues to focus on expanding essential services and strengthening its ability to meet the community’s evolving needs locally.
“Cathy is joining an incredible team and a local community that takes great pride in having high-quality care available here in the Outer Banks,” said Myra L. Bone, chair of the Outer Banks Health Board. “Her collaborative spirit and strong commitment to local partnerships make her an exceptional fit for this role. We’re confident she will continue to strengthen our relationships across Dare County and with community leaders as we work together to support the health and well being of the Outer Banks.”
Yablonski’s appointment follows the retirement of Ronnie Sloan, who will conclude his career-distinguished service on April 1. Smith will serve as interim president of Outer Banks Health until Yablonski officially joins the organization on April 20.
ECU Health announces transition of Home Health and Hospice Services to Liberty Home Care and Hospice
Greenville, N.C. — ECU Health today announced it has entered into an agreement to sell its Home Health and Hospice business unit to Liberty Home Care and Hospice, a trusted, mission aligned provider with deep experience delivering high quality care across the Carolinas. The sale will occur pending approval from the North Carolina Attorney General office and will help ensure home health and hospice services remain available for patients and families in the region.
The transition includes all ECU Health Home Health and Hospice operations, including:
- Home Health offices in Greenville, Windsor, Washington and Kenansville
- Hospice offices in Greenville, Ahoskie and Kenansville
- The Service League of Greenville Hospice House
This strategic decision is guided by ECU Health’s commitment to ensuring long term sustainability and preserving access to essential home based and end of life care for communities across eastern North Carolina. It will also help advance the impact of the Service League of Greenville which has compassionately served the community for more than 80 years, most notably through the Service League of Greenville Hospice House.
“As the rural health landscape continues to experience complex challenges and pressures, including shrinking reimbursement, it is essential we explore every opportunity to ensure high-quality services remain accessible to the people of eastern North Carolina,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “This decision was made with sustainability and continuation of services at the forefront. Liberty Home Care and Hospice brings the scale, expertise and mission driven focus needed to help ensure uninterrupted high quality home health and hospice care for patients and families who depend on these services.”
ECU Health leadership determined that partnering with Liberty—an organization with a 150-year history grounded in quality, integrity and compassionate service—offers the most stable and sustainable path forward. Liberty currently operates across North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia and has the regional infrastructure needed to support continuity of care.
“For more than 150 years, Liberty has focused on meeting the evolving needs of patients and families across the Carolinas,” said Donna Turlington, president, Liberty Home Care and Hospice. “Liberty is proud to partner with ECU Health to ensure long term stability and continuity for home health and hospice services across eastern North Carolina. We are deeply committed to ensuring patients and families continue to receive the compassionate, high quality home health and hospice services they rely on, delivered by care teams who understand this community. We look forward to supporting a smooth transition and preserving access to these essential services for years to come.”
The agreement provides transition opportunities for various roles in accordance with Liberty’s staffing model. ECU Health is committed to supporting impacted team members, with assistance available to help identify internal opportunities where possible.
Both organizations are working closely to ensure a seamless transition with no disruption to patient care. Referral partners, patients and families can expect continuity in scheduling, services and communication throughout the process.
Roanoke Rapids, NC – ECU Health is excited to announce the opening of two clinics in Roanoke Rapids following the acquisition of Halifax Gastroenterology. The newly established ECU Health Gastroenterology – Roanoke Rapids and ECU Health Endoscopy Center – Roanoke Rapids, both located at 1007 Gregory Drive, will expand access to specialized digestive health services for patients across the region.
“ECU Health is proud to expand access to care in the Roanoke Valley, building on a longstanding foundation of trusted health care services in the region,” said Todd Hickey, president of ECU Health North Hospital. “By adding new services, we are strengthening our commitment to this community and ensuring patients have access to high‑quality specialty care close to home. This investment reflects our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of rural communities and the patients and families who rely on us.”
ECU Health Gastroenterology – Roanoke Rapids began seeing patients on Feb. 4, followed by the opening of ECU Health Endoscopy Center – Roanoke Rapids on March 3. Dr. Nagarjuna Yerra, who has long provided gastroenterology care in the community, will continue practicing at the clinic. His continued presence ensures continuity of care for existing patients while supporting the growth of gastroenterology services under the ECU Health umbrella.
The two clinics will offer comprehensive gastroenterology and endoscopy services, supported by ECU Health’s integrated network of providers and resources. The expansion reflects ECU Health’s ongoing efforts to strengthen rural health care and ensure patients can receive expert, compassionate care without traveling long distances.
To schedule an appointment, ECU Health Gastroenterology – Roanoke Rapids can be reached at 252-535-8950.
Kenansville, NC – ECU Health Duplin Hospital is proud to announce a team of nurses on the medical surgical floor was recently honored with the DAISY Team Award for their care of a patient in 2024. The DAISY award celebrates nurses who go above and beyond in their practice – making a lasting impact through kindness, skill and dedication.
“I am incredibly proud of this team’s dedication to compassionate care for this patient and our rural community,” said Jeff Dial, president. “Their commitment reflects our promise that patients in eastern North Carolina can receive exceptional care close to home. ECU Health Duplin nurses embody the very best of the profession, and I’m happy to see their hard work recognized with a DAISY Award.”
According to the nomination, the isolation of a hospital room and the inability to engage in daily life as they pleased weighed heavily on the patient.
As days turned into weeks, the team recognized this discomfort and was determined to make the most of what would become a four-month stay at the hospital. They played card games with the patient, gave them a special nickname and brought thoughtful gifts.
“The nursing team on the medical surgical floor cared deeply about the patient’s well-being – both physically and mentally,” said Rebecca Miller, director of Patient Care Services at ECU Health Duplin Hospital, who nominated the team alongside Christina Miller, vice president of Nursing Strategic Operations and Christi Champion, former nurse manager. “We saw their acts of kindness towards the patient each day, which serve as a testament to the resilience and empathy that define our health care community. This DAISY Award reflects the meaningful impact they make on patients and families across our region.”
Washington, NC – ECU Health Beaufort Hospital is proud to recognize Leslie Alston, RCP, RRT, as the 2025 Pulmonary Health and Illness of the Lung (PHIL) Award recipient for ECU Health regional hospitals. The PHIL Award, established by the FACES Foundation in honor of Philip C. Lamka who passed away from Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), honors respiratory therapists who demonstrate exceptional compassion and patient-centered care.
“Leslie represents everything the PHIL Award stands for,” said Dr. Dennis Campbell II, DHA, RN, FACHE, president of ECU Health Beaufort Hospital. “Her compassion and professionalism make a lasting difference for patients, families and our care teams. Leslie is widely respected by patients, families and colleagues for her clinical expertise, calm leadership and ability to provide comfort and guidance during life’s most critical moments.”
Alston, who has been a respiratory therapist for 28 years – 20 of those spent at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital – is equally respected by nursing leadership and educators. New graduate nurses and code teams rely on her expertise during training and emergency situations. Known as a natural coach, she provides guidance in a supportive and encouraging way while maintaining a strong focus on patient care. She also assists with nursing and CNA skills fairs and represents respiratory therapy at local middle and high schools, emphasizing safe, high-quality, person-centered care.
“I am truly humbled by this recognition, but the greatest reward comes from caring for my patients. Every day, they remind me why I am passionate about being a respiratory therapist. It is an honor and a privilege to support them, and their gratitude and trust are the motivation that keeps me dedicated to this profession,” said Alston
Alston’s impact is reflected in the many calls and handwritten notes from patients and families following discharge. These messages consistently highlight Alston’s personalized care and the genuine concern she shows for each patient. Families often share how Alston took time to listen, explain and provide comfort during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Physicians throughout the hospital also recognize her excellence and frequently request her by name to care for their patients. Medical and physician assistant students regularly shadow her to gain a better understanding of respiratory therapy.
FACES Foundation recognizes two PHIL Award recipients each year — one from ECU Health Medical Center and one representing ECU Health regional hospitals. Alston was named the regional recipient.
Greenville, NC – ECU Health is excited to announce the Academic Loan Scholarship Program, a new workforce investment designed to support students pursuing high need health sciences degrees across eastern North Carolina. The program provides $5,000 in financial assistance to eligible students and includes a one year, full time work commitment with ECU Health upon graduation, helping ensure a strong homegrown pipeline of skilled professionals for the region’s hospitals and clinics.
“Eastern North Carolina depends on a strong, well trained health care workforce, and this program is an important investment in that future,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “By reducing financial barriers for students and creating clear pathways into our system, we’re able to recruit and retain the talent our communities rely on. Supporting local learners early in their training strengthens both ECU Health and the long term stability of care across the region, and this commitment ensures we are preparing the next generation of caregivers who take care of the communities we serve.”
Created to address the need for allied health and nursing roles, the Academic Loan Scholarship represents a significant commitment to expanding access to education while meeting the health care needs of rural and underserved communities. A total of $165,000 has been allocated for the program, allowing for 33 scholarships of $5,000 each. Eligible students must be enrolled in or accepted into one of several high need programs at regional community colleges, including nursing (ADN), respiratory therapy, surgical technology, medical laboratory technology, radiography, sonography, cardiovascular sonography, CT, MRI, diagnostic technology, OTA and PTA. Students in the Nursing Ribbon Program are also eligible.
“At ECU Health, we believe that supporting the next generation of caregivers is essential to building a healthier eastern North Carolina,” said Josh Crocker, vice president, HR Centers of Excellence, ECU Health. “Our Academic Loan Scholarship Program is designed to ease the financial burden for students in high demand health disciplines while creating clear pathways into vital clinical roles across our region. This initiative reflects our commitment to growing local talent, expanding access to care and advancing our mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”
Applications close May 22, 2026. To learn more about the Academic Loan Scholarship Program, including eligibility, FAQs and application requirements, please contact Brynn Schiller at [email protected].
Carteret Health Care, ECU Health and the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center are pleased to announce a new partnership that brings Newborn and Pediatric Hospitalist services directly to families in Carteret County. This collaboration highlights both organizations’ shared commitment to ensuring children have access to high-quality care, as Carteret Health Care becomes the only hospital outside of the ECU Health system to host ECU Health Newborn and Pediatric Hospitalists on-site.
The partnership expands access to specialized newborn and pediatric inpatient care close to home—an important priority for families in the community. Through this collaboration, Carteret Health Care is helping ensure children who require hospitalization can receive high-quality, expert care locally, reducing the need for families to travel outside the county whenever possible.
“Our partnership with ECU Health to bring dedicated Newborn and Pediatric Hospitalists to Carteret County represents a significant leap forward in our mission to provide specialized care close to home,” said Dr. Clyde Brooks, VP of Medical Affairs. “By having these specialists on-site 24/7, we are ensuring that local families have immediate access to high-quality inpatient pediatric care. This collaboration not only supports our local pediatricians but also provides parents the peace of mind that comes with knowing advanced medical support is available right here in our community.”
ECU Health Newborn and Pediatric Hospitalists will provide dedicated inpatient care for infants and children admitted to Carteret Health Care. This approach allows local pediatricians to continue focusing on outpatient care and long-term relationships with their patients, while Hospitalists manage inpatient needs, ensuring seamless coordination and continuity of care.
“ECU Health and Maynard Children’s Hospital are committed to improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina—that’s our mission, which extends to supporting other health systems who also serve patients in the region, said Dr. Matthew Ledoux, pediatrician in chief, ECU Health, chair of pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. “We’re delighted to partner with Carteret Health Care to offer our expertise, provide alignment with the highest standards of clinical care and help ensure patients and families receive the right level of care and support.”
For Carteret County families, the impact of this partnership is significant. More children can remain in the community for care, staying close to family, school, and support systems during hospitalization. When higher-acuity care is required, transfers to ECU Health and Maynard Children’s Hospital can be streamlined, helping ensure timely access to advanced pediatric services.