Changing careers can seem daunting, but thanks to the guidance and service of ECU Health’s Community Pipeline Program, eastern North Carolina residents are finding the support they need to pursue a new experience and make a difference across the region.
The Community Pipeline Program was established in 2019 to improve access to career opportunities at ECU Health hospitals through strong community engagement and strategic partnerships. The services are available through ECU Health Workforce Development to anyone who expresses interest in a career at ECU Health.
Participants can be identified in a variety of ways including partner agency referrals, word of mouth, social media or recruitment and community engagement events, regardless of their experience or background.
Toyta Kee, talent pipeline consultant for Workforce Development, ECU Health, said the program gives people who want a new career, or to pivot their role in the health care field, access to opportunities while addressing clinical and nonclinical workforce needs across ECU Health hospitals.
The program is focused on supporting people from eastern North Carolina, and Kee is involved with participants from start to finish — improving their resumés, finding jobs that match their skills, and coaching them through employment.
“Seeing people who once faced barriers to employment grow into confident ECU Health team members with clear career pathways is very fulfilling,” Kee said. “Seeing pipeline participants start a new career or change roles, complete professional development plans and accomplish their goals warms my heart.
“Many people don’t realize there’s a place for them in health care beyond clinical positions,” she continued. “My role is to help them see those possibilities and walk alongside them as they take the next step.”
Janon Hughes, a patient access representative at Outer Banks Health Hospital, joined ECU Health through the Community Pipeline Program in late 2025. Before that, Hughes was working part-time as a bookkeeper for a non-profit organization. The work was fulfilling, but she wanted something different.
“My kids are adults now, so I can focus on my career,” Hughes said. “The medical field was not on my radar, since I did not have medical experience.”
That changed when Hughes met Kee at a nonprofit conference. The two struck up a conversation where Hughes shared her desire for a full-time job. She said Kee told her that no medical experience was no problem.
“Toyta reassured me that she could help me find a perfect position,” Hughes recalled. “I sent her my resumé immediately, during the conference to be exact. She even helped me reword certain parts to highlight my skills which, to me, went above and beyond.”
Hughes was soon matched with a number of jobs. She began working at Outer Banks Health in December 2025, where she said she is grateful for her team members.
“Working at Outer Banks Health has been a great experience,” Hughes said. “I have been able to learn as I go, along with support from the teams I work with each day.
“I would highly recommend the Community Pipeline Program, and I look forward to a long career here at Outer Banks Health with opportunities to grow.”