ACHE of the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina
ACHE of the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina
THRIVE THRIVE
CHECK OUT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS!
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
TRENT BEACH, PHARMD, FACHE
FEATURED MEMBERS
SONJA MCLENDON, MED, MBA, FACHE
DAN FISHER, PH.D., MHA
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWEST FELLOWS!
About Us
ACHE of the Triangle & Eastern North Carolina (ACHE-TENC) is a nonprofit membership association and an independent chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), a professional society representing over 48,000 members worldwide ACHE-TENC serves nearly 1,000 ACHE members who live and work in the 54 North Carolina counties from the RaleighDurham area north to the Virginia border, east to the Outer Banks, and south to the South Carolina border.
Our Vision
ACHE of the Triangle & Eastern North Carolina (ACHE-TENC) aims to be recognized as the leading professional membership association dedicated to supporting and advancing healthcare leaders throughout the region
Our Mission
Our mission is to support the professional development of healthcare leaders in the region, preparing them to shape healthcare management at the local, regional, and national levels
Goals
Deliver programs that bring local value to ACHE members assigned to our Chapter service region
Increase communication among healthcare management professionals
Advance members toward Fellow, ACHE certification
Foster the development and implementation of best practices in healthcare management
Practice good financial stewardship
Embracing Our Eastern North Carolina ACHETENC Members
Dear ACHE-TENC members,
Happy New Year! As I stepped into the role of President on January 1, I am filled with excitement, gratitude, and a profound sense of responsibility Together, we stand at the threshold of new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and positive impact within our chapter and across the healthcare leadership community.
We had an incredible 2025! Check out the recap at the back of this Newsletter!
My vision for 2026 is firmly rooted in inclusivity and connection I am excited to embrace our new members from eastern North Carolina! I believe our strength lies in the diverse voices, experiences, and passions of our members Whether you are a long-standing leader or just beginning your healthcare journey, your perspective is welcomed and valued
I am thrilled to welcome the 2026 Board of Directors!
This dynamic group of leaders is committed to advancing healthcare excellence, innovation, and professional development across our 54-county region from the RaleighDurham area north to the
Virginia border, east to the Outer Banks, and southeast to Jacksonville!
To execute on this vision, our chapter leaders began as early as November of this past year to plan and advance our member services through a robust slate of educational, networking, and professional development opportunities. These plans expand our services regionally to offer ACHE Face to Face and Qualified Education credits; networking events designed to connect healthcare leaders across new regional locations; and leadership development initiatives focused on early and mid careerists regardless of where they provide healthcare
Further, I have asked the Board and Committee leaders to launch a campaign I have dubbed “Embrace ENC.” We will provide worldclass support of member engagement through committee involvement, mentorship opportunities, and advancement in all of our 54 counties. Additional details, including event dates and registration information, will be shared through the chapter .
Get involved. Check out our upcoming events online! https://ache-tenc org
Earn your board certification. Elevate your career and stand out as a recognized healthcare leader!
Attend ACHE Congress 2026. Join 7,000+ members in Houston for inspiration, learning, and connection: congress.ache.org
communications and the ACHE TENC website as plans are finalized
As your new President, my (virtual and real) door is always open Please reach out to me with your ideas, questions, or just to say hello—I'm here to listen, support, and champion your initiatives. Together, we can foster an environment where everyone thrives, and every member feels seen, heard, and empowered.
Let's make this a year of collaboration, growth, and shared success. I look forward to engaging with each of you and building something extraordinary together
With pride and optimism, Trent A Beach, PharmD, FACHE
President, ACHE of the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina
Message from your ACHE Regent
Hi, my wonderful colleagues,
I hope everyone had a joyous holiday season with the people you love the most! It was my first Christmas without my mom, and we honored her memory with our celebrations. Grief is a real thing for some during the holidays I send thoughts of peace and comfort to those who experienced loss
This is my final message as YOUR Regent, and what an honor it has been! I have been continually inspired and impressed by the ACHE chapters, leaders, students, and members in North Carolina It is truly awesome to represent your needs to the Board of Governors as your Regent. I am grateful and blessed to be an ongoing part of the great work happening around the state through attendance at chapter events throughout the year.
I am beyond thrilled to share that Ana-Elis Perry, FACHE, former chapter president of ACHE of the Triangle and Eastern Carolina, will be our new Regent when my term ends. She will be installed at Congress, and I couldn't be happier for her or for us! She will be amazing, so please join me in congratulating her as she prepares to take on this role! I promise you are in good hands with her!
I look forward to staying connected with you and hope to see you at an upcoming ACHE event! If you haven't yet signed up for ACHE Congress in Houston, don't miss out! The lineup is spectacular, educational opportunities are excellent, and the networking is fantastic I hope I will see many of you there!
I want to leave you with these parting thoughts:
1 You are more than enough, and you are worth investing in!
2 Self-care is not selfish We need you!
3.An investment in people is never wasted.
4.Don't wait for the future, create it.
Our communities are counting on us! I am so optimistic about the future of healthcare leadership because of the outstanding missionoriented people drawn to all sectors of healthcare and the tremendous opportunities and resources we have through ACHE
In service to you,
Vi-Anne Antrum, DNP, RN, FACHE
ACHE Regent for North Carolina
VI-ANNE ANTRUM, DNP, RN, FACHE REGENT FOR NORTH CAROLINA
ACHE-TENC Chapter 2025 Performance Metrics
ACHE measures chapter performance annually based on four key performance criteria: net membership growth, education and networking performance, advancement of eligible members, and member satisfaction. We are working towards achieving the 2025 standard performance metrics
Education & Networking Performance
2025 Standard: 15.1
indexed attendee hours
Current Status: 12.4
indexed attendee hours
Member Satisfaction
2025 Standard: 4.1
Advancement of Eligible Members
2025 Standard: 16
Net Membership Growth
2025 Standard: 7.2
Current Status: 4.4
Current Status: 5
Current Status: 27.5
Here's how you can contribute to meeting our chapter performance goals while investing in your own professional development:
Participate in chapter programming Complete the Chapter Member Needs Survey in May Earn your FACHE credential Join ACHE or reinstate your membership
The following individuals joined ACHE or transitioned into our chapter in quarter 4 of 2025
We are happy to have you, and look forward to connecting at an upcoming chapter event!
Megan R. Bell
SGM Christian Thompson
Susan R Burroughs, FACHE
Emma Hoover , BS, MHA
Sean W. Sondej, MHA
Aneika Carroll
Stacey Greenway
LTC Ashley Urick, MD
Grace Linthicum, JD
Corey Kennedy, LCSW
Lisa Raynelle Shelley, PhD, MBA
Erik Robinette
Michelle Dixon, MSN, RN
Jamison Lowery
Kent D. Tilger, Jr.
Sudhanshu Agarwal
Leslie C Barefoot, PharmD, BCPS, MBA
Paul Rowson
Kameelah Spence, MS, CHC, CCEP
Latosha N. Burch
HM3 Preston A Fisher, MBA
Mechal N Williams, LMHC
Jessica H Murrell Berryman
Bri Reichling
Nicola Aten
David A Lowry, MD
Jaydon Carter
Leigh LeGare, MHA
Justin Un
Kyle B. Mobley
Ally Copley
Donna Wilson
CPT Bonita Rutkowski
Catherine (Kasia) Horger, MHA
Ornella S. Makolo
Markia Purviis
Meury Gonzalez Rodriguez
Mary Beth Ginn
Gina Conover
Elizabeth G. Leegins
Brendan Thomas
Terry M Herring, DHSc
Earl T McLaurin, MS
Sherry D. Henderson
Amy N. Akers
Claude M Allison, LFACHE
Roxanne Ashby
Shannon D Brown, Sr , LFACHE
CPT Penny Cannon
LTC Erica L Chabalko, FACHE
COL Daniel V Chapa, Jr , LFACHE
Christina Dozier
Ethan H Eltzroth
Marri Fryar
Wilson M Gabbard, FACHE
Brian Gilpin, MS
January 2026 Quarter 4 | Page 7
Michael Hetrick
Jonna S Hunter, DNP, RN, CENP
David J Kilarski, LFACHE
Kelly Maxwell
Cynthia A. McNeill-McDonald, RN, FACHE
Christopher J Meredith
David H Parks, PhD, FACHE(R)
David A Pattillo, LFACHE
Christopher B Pearce, MBA, FACHE
Andre Perkins
Jayden Riggs
Walter E Rose, LFACHE
Atania P Saintiche
Sarah Schroeder, MHA
Brad Spencer
Daniel R Stanley
Mina H Ubbing, LFACHE
Annette P Webster, DHSc
1LT Megan Abreu
1Lt Adetayo Adetunji, MBA
Tomi L Akinsanya
Alejandra Alfonso
Andrew L Almeter, FACHE
Luis M Andrade, FACHE
Arthur E. Apolinario, MD, MPH
HMC Jasmine G Artz
Teresa E Barnes, MSN, MHA, RN, NE-BC, FACHE
LCDR Michael Bartoszek
Chris Beasley
Warren J. Beck
Emily A Bell
Barbara H Biehner, FACHE
Amanda Birgen
David G. Botnick, PT, DPT, MHA, CPPS
Ernest Bovio, Jr., FACHE
Christopher Bridgeman, DHA, FACHE
Kevin D Briggs, FACHE
Samantha M Brown
Georgia Buckley, PA-C
Jennifer A. Buxton, PharmD
W Reid Caldwell, Jr , LFACHE
Evan Canfield
Christopher M Christon, LFACHE
Kevin Collopy
Michael W. Cowell
Ivette Daley, MHA,MPH,PMP, FACHE
Jonathan S Davis, FACHE
Julia Schorr Davis, FACHE
Damain C. Deloach
Spencer D Dickens, Jr , MS, RN
Brittany H Dickerhoff, MBA-HM
1LT Kiera M Dixon, MPA
Leann Dockins
Martin Doperak, DO, FACHE
Rachel N Dunbar
Joseph Dunmire
The following individuals joined ACHE or transitioned into our chapter in quarter 4 of 2025
We are happy to have you, and look forward to connecting at an upcoming chapter event!
Patrick D. Ebri, PhD, FACHE
Denise M. Feliciano-Ortiz, MS, BSN, RN
Daniel M Fisher, PhD
Jennifer A Freel
Kai-Shawna R Freeman, BS
S. Hewitt Fulton, III, FACHE(R)
KrystalGehring
Nancy L George, FACHE
Ruth A Glaser, FACHE
Elizabeth B Goolsby
Alyssa A. Graffy
Amy V. Graham
Madison Harbin
Anthony Harvey
MAJ John Heniger
RaymondC. Henley, MBA
Kerry Herbine, FACHE
Shannon W Hicks, MSN, RN
Brandon Hill
Michael R Holmes, Jr
Beatrice Holt
Kristina K Hubard, FACHE
MAJ Joshua M Huey
Michael J Jansen, LFACHE
MSG Jeremy Johnson
Adrienne Johnson, DNP, RN
Phillip Jones, MSA
Susan Kellough
Astrid Keusseyan
Revati Komandur, MD, FACHE
Christy Land
Cortnie Langston, MBA-HM
Hannah K Lanier, RN
Leslie S Laws
Zii Levine
Larry D. Matheny, LFACHE
Ricky J McCraw, RN, CEN, FACHE(R)
Wendy C McDermott, FACHE
Warren G McDonald, PhD
Wayne D. McDonald, MBA
LTC Casey McKenna, FACHE
Hugh A McLean, Jr , FACHE
Sonja F McLendon, FACHE
Allen C Meadors, PhD, LFACHE
COL Samuel G. Meyers, II
Asif H. Miller
Frank P Mineo, PhD, FACHE(R)
JessicaN Molina
Jeffrey S Morgan, MD, FACHE
David L. Mork, Jr., LFACHE
Courtney Mundy
Ophelia Munn-Goins, FACHE(R)
Rachel N Newman
Chiara Olson
EricO'Reilly, MD, MBA, MS
Anne M. Patterson, LFACHE
Genteal M Pelzer
Cheryl D. Perry, MD
Leo A Petit, Jr , LFACHE
Chevonne A Phelps, BS, MHA
David L Pope, JD, MHA
Matthew Prestwood, FACHE
Michelle Rathbun
Col Brady Reed, MBA
PO3 Joseph D Rica, MBA
Amy Rutkowske Coon
MichaelRuzek, DO
Jeffrey N Sackrison, LFACHE
Sandra J Sackrison, DHSc, FACHE
Gregory M Schulz, LFACHE
Stephen R Shepherd, LFACHE
Joyce M. Simon
Elveta R Smith, PhD
Christina Spivey, RN, FACHE
Lucien B St Onge, FACHE
J Greg Stanley, MPA
Lynda Stanley, FACHE
Shelbourn O Stevens, MBA, RRT
HakemStewart, MHA
David T Sumner, FACHE(R)
Dianna M Tatum, MBA, BSN, RN
Renae O. Taylor, RN, FACHE
Diane Thomas
Robert Thomas, MHA, PA-C
Pamela M Tripp
Joshua R. Tucker
Daryl H. Turlington, MBA, PA-C
LTC David W Tyson, FACHE
COL John A Urciuoli, FACHE
Lorna J Ward, MSN, RN
Jeanenne B. Watters, RN, FACHE
Sarah C. Waymon
Daniel R Weatherly, MBA
Roxie C Wells, MD
Nathaniel Wesley, Jr , LFACHE
Laurie M. Whalin, PharmD, FACHE
Kathy White
Ashley Whitted
Zachary Wilkerson, MBA, HCM
Ne Win, MD
Marleigh Zacek
HM1 Akeem Anderson
Reeya Patel
Torie M Bonnet
Mohed Khan
Gabriele Spokas
MyahLocke
Lauren H Couri
Tajauna Carter
Cynthia M Hall, MPH, CPHQ
Carson Swain
Divya Venkatesh
Erin Dinlocker
Ariba Huda
Kim A Maples
JOIN US TODAY... JOIN US TODAY...
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Join now to become eligible for members-only programs and discounted pricing at both the local and national levels. Click here to join.
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RENEW
ACHE membership renewal is open. Timely renewal ensures your ACHE membership and ACHETENC chapter affiliation remain intact with no lapse in membership. Click here to log in to your ACHE profile and renew.
Benefits include a wide range of career resources, networking opportunities, mentorship, educational events, and more!
Legacy in Distinguished Leadership
New ACHE Fellows
The FACHE credential brings continuous value to you as a healthcare leader, to your organization and to your community.
New November Fellow!
Recertified Fellows
Provides recognition as a leader among leaders in healthcare management
Demonstrates your competency in all areas of healthcare management
Signifies your lifelong commitment to change and improvement
Daniella Jaimes-Colina, PhD, MBA, MHA, FACHE
Teresa E. Barnes, MSN, MHA, RN, NE-BC, FACHE
We asked our new fellows to share what ACHE Fellowship recognition means to them:
Daniella Jaimes-Colina, PhD, MBA, FACHE Chief Executive Officer, Piedmont Health Services Chapel Hill, NC
To me, the FACHE certification represents the gold standard in healthcare management leadership. It signifies deep expertise, a strong commitment to ethical practice, lifelong learning, and proven competency in guiding healthcare organizations effectively
How to become an ACHE Fellow
Meet the eligibility requirements
Submit your advancement application Upon approval, you will have two (2) years in which you must take and pass the Board of Governors Exam
Contact the ACHE-TENC Fellowship Advancement Committee Chairs to learn more! Susan Gueiss (susan gueiss@duke edu) & Sheila Kelty (Sheilakelty@gmail com)
ACHE-TENC Member Spotlight
Sonja McLendon, MEd, MBA, FACHE President, Cape Fear Valley Health Hoke Hospital
What inspired you to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, and what do you do in your current role?
As a kid growing up in Wake Forest, my father was a high school math teacher and the school’s first certified athletic trainer, so I tagged along with him to football and basketball games. I later became his assistant and developed a love for anatomy and physiology (as well as competitive sports), and continued as an athletic trainer at UNC in undergrad and at UVA in graduate school It was in my first postgraduate role working in outpatient rehab (and volunteering on, of all things, the dress code committee) that the hospital CEO suggested that I pursue a career in healthcare administration I thought he was crazy at the time (I was applying for PhD programs and planned a career in research and academia), but he recognized something that I didn’t, and thank goodness he did. I went back to school for an MBA at USC and took on progressively more challenging leadership roles for over a decade. That CEO remains a mentor to this day.
Today I have the opportunity to lead an incredible hospital within a progressive health system focused on safe, high-quality care and planning for the future healthcare needs of our region through strategic partnerships, innovation, workforce development, and opening a medical school this summer I am enjoying the best role of my career, bringing strategy and operations together, and spending a lot of time in the community we serve.
How long have you been an ACHE member and why did you decide to join?
I joined ACHE in 2008 at the suggestion of the same CEO mentor, Jay Cox, who encouraged me to pursue a career in healthcare administration Over the years, I have found, as he and many of my colleagues have shared, that ACHE is a wonderful organization for professional development, networking, and friendship I especially enjoyed the path to attaining Fellow status; the coursework was interesting, and I met some of my closest friends in ACHE during an FACHE exam prep class.
ACHE-TENC Member Spotlight
Sonja McLendon, MEd, MBA, FACHE President, Cape Fear Valley Health Hoke Hospital
What advice would you give to younger members who are earlier in their careers?
Don’t get stuck on what you think is the “ideal” career path, thinking that you should only move vertically in your field; the most interesting and exciting moves may be lateral or in a whole different direction. Try different roles, say yes to new projects or opportunities, volunteer, and get out of your comfort zone And commit to lifelong learning
What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
I have had a great career, marked by personal educational achievements like the FACHE, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and the Press Ganey/UAB High Reliability Certification, and organizational highlights such as receiving the Leapfrog Top Hospital Award (2 years running), Press Ganey High Reliability Organization Award, consecutive CMS 5-star and Leapfrog A ratings, and diseasespecific certifications. But what brings me the most joy is getting a note or a phone call from a patient who had a great experience in our ED, or when a family member stops me in the grocery store to tell me how well their mom or dad is doing after surgery. That’s the real reward, to know that we are making a difference in our community.
Do you have any healthcare-related educational / leadership development recommendations for our members?
I think that ACHE is a great place to start, beginning with chapter offerings (what better way to meet your local colleagues and also learn what’s happening in the world of healthcare?). ACHE Congress is also a great opportunity to get a lot of education packed into just a few (very busy) days My other go-to resources are the NCHA for governmental/policy updates and Press Ganey/Forsta for Safety/Quality/Patient & Employee Experience Also, I always have a book going – my bookshelves are filled with titles by Brene Brown, Angela Duckworth, Atul Gawande, Patrick Lencioni, Edgar Schein, and Quint Studer, and I love to share them with staff and colleagues
What is one healthcare trend or industry transformation that you are most excited about right now, and why?
With all the discussion about AI (which is, of course, fascinating and transformative), I am most excited about the discussion around how we can leverage technology to allow caregivers to spend more time with patients vs. behind a screen. The humanization of medicine vs the dehumanization, as it were. Technologies such as ambient listening, predictive analytics for disease detection, and AI-assisted medical imaging will revolutionize our work by allowing our caregivers to spend more time in conversation with patients and less time researching and documenting
ACHE-TENC Member Spotlight
Dan Fisher, Ph.D., MHA
Assistant Professor & MHA Program Coordinator, University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
What inspired you to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, and what do you do in your current role?
My interest in healthcare started early. As an adventurous child who spent more time than most in my pediatrician’s office or the ER, usually getting Xrays, stitches, or a cast, I became fascinated by the healthcare world. I originally thought I would pursue a clinical path, but during my undergraduate studies, I realized science wasn’t my strongest subject Instead, I gravitated toward math, statistics, and using data to solve problems and improve processes
A pivotal dinner with a hospital administrator introduced me to healthcare administration, ultimately inspiring me to pursue my MHA Over the next 15 years, I worked across multiple sectors – home health, hospitals, long-term care, and corporate wellness – gaining a broad understanding of how healthcare systems operate.
My career shifted when I was invited to teach a few courses as an adjunct at a small private university Coming from a family of educators, I quickly discovered a deep love for teaching I went on to earn a PhD in Strategic Management and transitioned into academia full-time in 2020.
Today, I have the privilege of teaching in the fully online, CAHME-accredited MHA program at UNCW, where I’m passionate about preparing future healthcare leaders
How long have you been an ACHE member, and why did you decide to join?
I joined ACHE in 2006, during the first year of my MHA program at the University of Memphis. Early on, I began attending local chapter events and quickly realized the value of belonging to a nationally respected professional organization ACHE provided access to mentors, networking opportunities, and leadership development experiences that complemented my graduate training
As I advanced in my career, I continued to stay involved and serve within various chapters because my membership consistently connected me with healthcare leaders who broadened my perspective and supported my growth The relationships I built, the professional standards ACHE promotes, and the commitment to lifelong learning all reinforced my decision to remain engaged.
ACHE has played a meaningful role in helping me develop the skills, confidence, and professional network needed to succeed in the healthcare field
What advice would you give to younger members who are earlier in their careers?
My advice to younger members is to stay flexible, stay humble, and stay passionate
ACHE-TENC Member Spotlight
Dan Fisher, Ph.D., MHA
Assistant Professor & MHA Program Coordinator, University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)
Be flexible. It’s important to have goals and a vision for your career, but don’t hold them so tightly that you miss opportunities. Healthcare is a dynamic field, and sometimes the best next step is a pivot you didn’t originally plan Being open to new paths will often lead to unexpected growth
Be humble. You don’t and won’t know everything, and that’s okay. Ask questions, seek feedback, and pursue knowledge with curiosity. People appreciate genuine interest in their work, and those conversations can become invaluable learning moments. When you make mistakes, own them, learn from them, and share what you’ve learned so others can grow with you.
Be passionate. Remember why we work in this field – to ensure patients receive the best possible care at a reasonable cost. Let that purpose guide your decisions and fuel your commitment to excellence.
If you can embrace these three principles, you’ll build a rewarding, meaningful career in healthcare administration.
What professional accomplishments are you most proud of?
You’ll quickly find that the most rewarding moments in your career come from helping others. The greatest accomplishments that still bring me joy are supporting families caring for disabled children and finding solutions that improved their daily lives; advocating for and achieving operational and policy changes that eliminated preventable patient harm; and mentoring students as they applied for,
prepared for, and ultimately secured highly competitive jobs or administrative fellowships. Their success becomes your greatest reward, and these still bring me joy today.
Do you have any healthcare-related educational / leadership development recommendations for our members?
I encourage ACHE members to invest in both structured education and practical leadership development Pursue formal training – certifications or graduate coursework – in quality improvement, data analytics, project management, and healthcare finance, as these skills apply across all healthcare settings
Also, engage in leadership opportunities that strengthen emotional intelligence, communication, and strategic thinking. ACHE programs like the Leadership Development Courses and Congress on Healthcare Leadership are valuable, but local chapter events and mentorships are equally powerful for building networks and skills. Finally, stay curious; read broadly, seek feedback, and embrace stretch assignments Leadership is formed through continuous learning and real world application
What is one healthcare trend or industry transformation that you are most excited about right now, and why?
I’m most excited about how AI is transforming healthcare by improving both operational efficiency and clinical outcomes From streamlining administrative workflows to enhancing diagnostic accuracy and care coordination, AI has the potential to reduce burdens on providers while enabling more personalized, timely, and effective care for patients.
ACHE Recognition Program
ACHE of the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina proudly honors five exceptional members, recognized through the national ACHE Recognition Program for leading, serving, and advancing the healthcare management profession:
Matt Gitzinger, FACHE
Nina Ziemba, FACHE
Sheila Kelty, DHA, FACHE
Matthew P. Higgins, FACHE
Juliana Briscoe, MPH, MHA, FACHE
Their recognition signifies more than accumulated volunteer hours; it celebrates the meaningful impact they create through chapter involvement, community engagement, and ongoing professional development. These leaders strengthen our field and inspire others to serve with purpose.
A heartfelt congratulations to our honorees for their dedication and service. Their leadership elevates our entire community!
The ACHE Recognition Program acknowledges members’ sustained commitment to professional excellence All active members are eligible, with recognition earned across three levels based on cumulative volunteer activities performed during each convocation year (April–March) Points build over time, allowing members to progress through the program as they continue contributing to the profession
Learn more about how you can participate on ACHE’s Recognition Program online.
Annual Student Scholarship
To facilitate professional development for healthcare leaders in the region and prepare them to shape local, regional and national healthcare management practices.
The annual scholarship is awarded to an American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Student
Associate enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a healthcare career-focused degree, such as MHA, MBA, or other related graduate degree, and residing within the membership region of the Triangle & Eastern North Carolina (TENC) chapter of ACHE.
This past year, ACHE-TENC recognized two MHA students, Jaydon Carter and Babar Iqbal, from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. Babar and Jayden plan to attend ACHE-TENC events and this year’s ACHE Congress through the support of the Student Scholarship Jaydon (left) hails from Martinsville, Virginia, and moved to North Carolina to attend High Point University For the past six years, he has served as Lead Volunteer at the Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont. In 2025, he served as a Talent Acquisition intern at Cone Health. He currently serves as Communications Chair for the annual ACHE-TENC and HESA Dinner, Treasurer for Gillings SGA, and Member of the HPM Student Advisor Board.
Babar (right) is originally from Boonton, New Jersey After graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2021, he worked as the Program Coordinator at Health Career Connection He is currently President of the UNC Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Open School Chapter and Co-Director of External Relations for the Healthcare Consulting Club at Gillings Since 2025, he has served on the ACHE-TENC Communication Committee
The Student Scholarship was incredibly impactful for me as a graduate student, providing support that allowed me to focus more fully on my studies and professional growth. Through ACHE-TENC, I’ve built meaningful connections with healthcare leaders and gained real-world insight that has helped shape my confidence and direction as I prepare for a career in healthcare leadership. ~ Jaydon Carter
Receiving the Student Scholarship not only helped me continue attending ACHE-TENC events and advance my professional study, but it also helped build my confidence in becoming a healthcare executive who makes systemic change This goal would not be possible without the support of ACHE-TENC My deepest gratitude goes to the Education Committee for making this possible! ~ Babar Iqbal
Be on the lookout for 2026 Student Scholarship applications this fall!
Annual Student Scholarship
To facilitate professional development for healthcare leaders in the region and prepare them to shape local, regional and national healthcare management practices.
The 2025 ACHE-TENC Student Scholarship award and networking event was hosted at the Carolina Brewery and was attended by the ACHE-TENC leadership, professional members of the association, and the MHA graduate students who are members of the Healthcare Executives Student Association (HESA) at UNC Gillings The night was filled with networking between the graduate students and ACHE-TENC professionals, speeches regarding how ACHE-TENC is dedicated to supporting students who are aspiring to be in healthcare administration, recognition of the Scholarship recipients, and delicious food. Below are additional pictures of this memorable event.
To view more pictures and learn more details about the Annual Student Scholarship event, please visit the ACHE of the Triangle and Easter North Carolina (TENC) LinkedIn Page to find our post dedicated to the event Please follow the LinkedIn page to stay connected to all upcoming TENC events, learn about TENC's current initiatives, and connect with the thousands of TENC members who follow the page
CHAPTER EVENT SYNOPSES
C-SUITE ROUNDTABLE
CAROLINA EAST
ACHE of the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina partnered with CarolinaEast Health System to host an energizing and insightful C‑Suite Round Table on October 21, 2025, in New Bern, NC. The event brought together healthcare leaders for a candid, in person conversation about the operational realities facing today’s executives. The discussion explored the current state of operations at CarolinaEast, the challenges confronting C‑Suite leaders, and future opportunities for organizational success.
Special thanks to our moderator and distinguished panelists for sharing their expertise:
Harvey Case, Chief Operating Officer
James Davis, DNP, RN, NEA‑BC, Chief Nursing Officer & VP, Nursing Services
Tammy Sherron, Chief Financial Officer
Michael E. Davis, MD, Chief Medical Officer
Lesley Hunter - VP, Human Resources
E Murray Gilgo, CPA, CPA - VP, Physician Practice Management
2025 Strategic Planning Retreat
ACHE of the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina recently convened its Board of Directors and Committee Chairs for the chapter’s Annual Strategic Planning Retreat The gathering was a meaningful opportunity to reflect, collaborate, and set direction for the next phase of the chapter’s growth.
With a membership of 1,000 healthcare leaders across 54 North Carolina counties, the retreat focused on how ACHE-TENC can continue delivering value in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Conversations centered on strengthening educational programming, deepening mentorship connection, and supporting members as they pursue professional advancement and Fellowship in ACHE.
2025 Strategic Planning Retreat
The chapter was pleased to welcome Emily T., ACHE Chapter Relations Manager, who shared national insights on the benchmarks and performance indicators of high-impact chapters. Her perspective helped frame strategic priorities and reinforced best practices that support sustainable chapter success.
The retreat also served as a moment to recognize leadership and service Matt Gitzinger, FACHE, 2025 President, was thanked for his steady guidance and commitment throughout the year. Board members and Committee Chairs were recognized for their individual contributions, underscoring the collective effort behind the chapter’s progress
Looking forward, Trent Beach, 2026 President, led a collaborative planning session designed to position ACHE-TENC for continued relevance, growth, and member engagement
The day concluded with a celebratory milestone as Ana-Elis Perry, MBA, MSHA, FACHE was formally recognized as North Carolina’s ACHE Regent. The moment was marked with a toast and a symbolic ceremony honoring her achievement and leadership
Year in Review Year in Review
The Triangle and Sandhills chapters joined together to form the new ACHE of the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina, now serving 54 out of the 100 counties in North Carolina.
1K almost a 30 percent increase in 2025 ACHE-TENC members
Intentionally expanded leadership programming built for the clinicians in our chapter/
2
JoinC-suiteroundtableevents, includingasold-outsessionfeaturing UNCHealthandDukeHealthleaders, discussingtheupcomingNorth CarolinaChildren’sHospitalproject andkeyeventdetails.
4.4 Chapter MemberNeeds Survey
members
6membersobtained theirFellowship statuswithACHE!
UPCOMING
March 12 - May 28, 2026
6:00 - 7:30 PM EDT Virtual
2 NCHFMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
February 4 - 6, 2026
Carolina Hotel
80 Carolina Vista Drive, Pinehurst, NC
February 18 - 20, 2026
Embassy Suites
201 Harrison Oaks Blvd, Cary, NC
4 ACHE CONGRESS
March 2 - 4, 2026
George R. Brown Convention Center 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX
April 15, 2026
Carolina Club
150 Stadium Dr, Chapel Hill, NC
BOARD OF GOVERNORS EXAM REVIEW WEBINAR SERIES
NATIONAL NEWS
Winter storm disrupts care across US health systems
On January 26, health systems across the United States continued to experience significant operational disruptions due to winter storm Fern The storm, which brought heavy snowfall, extreme cold, and hazardous travel conditions to 34 states, quickly prompted many organizations to activate emergency command centers As a result, health systems implemented contingency staffing plans to maintain continuity of care. Although hospitals and emergency departments stayed open, numerous outpatient facilities, including urgent care, imaging, and ambulatory clinics, temporarily suspended services
In North Carolina, AdventHealth maintained hospital operations but closed select outpatient sites, such as its medical group office and Centra Care Arden urgent care. To support uninterrupted access, the system offered free virtual visits to patients Meanwhile, Duke University Hospital reported increased emergency department utilization due to weather associated injuries Slips, falls, and frostbite were common, further underscoring the clinical impact of prolonged cold exposure.
These actions align with broader national trends, as systems in Ohio, Texas, Georgia, and other affected states rescheduled elective procedures and shifted to telehealth based care delivery The ongoing extreme cold is expected to prolong operational challenges, requiring continued monitoring of staffing capacity, patient safety risks, and service availability. The event highlights the need for resilient infrastructure and coordinated response strategies across health systems
The hidden pressure points ASCs can’t afford to miss
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are expanding into higher‑acuity care, yet leaders report that the most underestimated pressures are not related to demand, but to the widening imbalance between rising labor, supply, and anesthesia costs and stagnant or misaligned reimbursement Executives note that compressed professional fees, staffing shortages, and increasing payer and regulatory complexity are eroding reliability and margins, shifting long‑term performance from growth driven strategies toward workforce sustainability, governance, and operational standardization Across the sector, leaders identify several converging pressures Many cite inadequate insurance rate increases that fail to keep pace with escalating staffing, supply, and equipment costs.
Others highlight a structural misalignment in physician and anesthesia reimbursement. This weakens the economic foundation of the ASC model and makes anesthesia availability a growing constraint Rising operational complexity, driven by higheracuity cases, stricter payer requirements, and evolving workforce expectations, also contributes to day-ofsurgery disruptions and margin compression.
Workforce sustainability emerges as a central theme, especially in rural ASCs These centers rely on small, flexible teams that are now strained by shifting expectations around scheduling and work-life balance Recruiting and retaining nurses, techs, anesthesiologists, and CRNAs is increasingly difficult. Competition is intensifying, and compensation rises faster than reimbursement Leaders also point to tightening access to capital, more administrative burden, and consumer demand for cost-transparent care These create additional pressures shaping ASC viability
Together, these dynamics suggest that the most underestimated threat is model fragility, not volume. Economic and workforce instability now underpin ASC operations Sustained performance will require investment in staffing, standardization, training pipelines, and governance These must align with today’s cost and regulatory environment
References
Cerutti, E G , Erica (2026, January 26) Winter storm disrupts care across US health systems Becker’s Hospital Review | Healthcare News & Analysis https://www beckershospitalreview com/care-coordination/winter-storm-disrupts-care-across-ushealth-systems/
Eydis, S (2026, January 20) The hidden pressure points ASCs can’t afford to miss Becker’s ASC https://www beckersasc com/asc-news/the-hidden-pressure-points-ascs-cant-afford-to-miss/
Credits
Creative Directors
Christian Bergevin, UNC Health
Dolapo Busuyi, ECU Health
Holly Harris, UNC Chapel Hill
Babar Iqbal, UNC Chapel Hill
Isabelle Murphy, UNC Chapel Hill
Contributing Writers
Trent Beach, FACHE, UNC Health
Vi-Anne Antrum, FACHE, Cone Health
Sonja McLendon, FACHE, Cape Fear Valley Health
Dan Fisher, UNC Wilmington
President President-Elect
Immediate Past President Treasurer Secretary
President Advisory Council
Trent Beach, FACHE, UNC Health
Paul Marini, FACHE, UNC Orthopedics
Matt Gitzinger, FACHE, UNC Health Alliance
Savannah Stallings, Duke Health
Jessica McGee, FACHE, UNC Health
Tom Hughes, FACHE, WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Ana-Elis Perry, FACHE, UNC Health
Swati Bhardwaj, FACHE, Southern Atlantic Healthcare Alliance
Emily Greene, FACHE, Duke Health
2026 Committee Chairs
Ashley Mahan, UNC Health
Holly Harris, UNC Chapel Hill
Margarita Khosh, Commerce Bank
Jan Lee Santos, Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health
School of Medicine
Susan Gueiss, FACHE, Duke Health Integrated Practice
Sheila Kelty, FACHE, IMH Healthcare
Kishan Shah, Duke Health
Sarah Vorhees, Harris Teeter Pharmacy
Euniqua Bullock, Duke Health Integrated Practice
Amina Dixon, Duke Health System
Allen Stephens, Duke Health Integrated Practice
Jennifer Woody, UNC Health
Jessica Teague, Hillrom/Baxter Inc
Brian Cocks, Baxter International Inc
David Long, FACHE, ECU Health
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