Greenville, N.C. – Three ECU Health leaders have been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review on its list of 2026 Rural Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know. Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health and dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Dennis Campbell, II, RN, president of ECU Health Beaufort Hospital – a Campus of ECU Health Medical Center, and Brian Harvill, president of ECU Health Chowan, Bertie and Roanoke-Chowan Hospitals were all named to this year’s list.
The recognition identifies leaders whose work drives tangible growth through innovation while navigating issues like recruitment and retention which are felt hardest in rural spaces.
Becker’s acknowledged Dr. Waldrum’s commitment to improving rural health care for eastern North Carolina and beyond, as well as his advocacy for critical funding that supports patients in the academic health system spanning 29 rural counties.
Campbell’s collaborative leadership approach, focused on culture and connection, was credited for improved team member, physician and provider satisfaction and retention during his tenure. He was also credited for his commitment to local education and healthcare workforce pipeline development.
Harvill has spent more than a decade in leadership at ECU Health and continues to do so at three community hospitals serving rural populations, with a focus on operational excellence and community health. Under his leadership, ECU Health Chowan, Bertie and Roanoke-Chowan Hospitals have earned national recognition for patient experience, excellence in patient outcomes and overall quality.
“We are proud of Mike, Dennis and Brian for their commitment to driving forward ECU Health’s mission of improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina,” said Dr. Andy Tewari, chairman of ECU Health’s Board of Directors. “Their vision and commitment are helping shape the national model for academic rural health care at a time when innovation and collaboration matter more than ever. The 1.4 million people we proudly serve in eastern North Carolina can confidently know they are in the caring, safe hands of over 15,000 team members guided by nationally recognized leaders.”
