Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health is proud to announce three of its leaders have been recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review on its list of 2025 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 the list.
According to Becker’s, these leaders are driving growth by expanding services, upgrading facilities and building skilled teams and have implemented strategies to keep their hospitals thriving for years to come.
This national recognition celebrates leaders guiding rural hospitals and health systems through innovation, collaboration and commitment to the well-being of their communities.
Dr. Waldrum is recognized by Becker’s for leading one of the largest rural academic health systems in the country. Dr. Waldrum oversees more than 14,000 team members caring for 1.4 million residents across 29 counties. A passionate advocate for rural health and Medicaid expansion, Dr. Waldrum is shaping policy and practice to ensure sustainable, high-quality care across North Carolina’s rural communities.
Campbell has been honored for his strategic leadership and deep commitment to people-first care. In 2024, Campbell served as interim president of ECU Health North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids in addition to his role as president at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital. His emphasis on culture, collaboration and team member satisfaction has led to improved retention among employees and providers. As a nurse and administrator, he champions both clinical excellence and operational strategy, while also supporting education and workforce pipelines through local board service.
Harvill, who assumed the presidency at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan in 2023, continues to guide three hospitals with a steady focus on operational excellence and community health. With more than a decade of leadership experience at ECU Health, he plays a pivotal role in strengthening care delivery in the region.
“ECU Health is building the national model for academic rural health care thanks to visionary leadership from mission-driven individuals like Dr. Waldrum, Brian and Dennis,” said Bob Greczyn, chairman, ECU Health Board of Directors. “This is an incredibly transformative time in health care and these leaders, alongside the 14,000-plus team members and dedicated board members at ECU Health, have helped ensure high-quality health care is available to the 1.4 million people we serve in eastern North Carolina.”