NC Healthcare Association Honors Paul Hammes with Distinguished Service Award

Paul Hammes, former CEO of Hugh Chatham Health, has been awarded the North Carolina Healthcare Association’s (NCHA) highest honor — the 2026 Distinguished Service Award. The award is given each year to an NCHA member executive whose contributions to the healthcare field have had a positive and lasting impact at the local, regional, state, or national level. Hammes received the award July 15 at NCHA’s Summer Membership Meeting.  

Hammes recently retired from his position at Hugh Chatham Health, after 13 years of impactful service. Before joining Hugh Chatham Health, he served in a variety of leadership roles at Novant Health and several consultancies.  

Mentoring others has been a longtime passion throughout his career, including through the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation’s Diverse Leaders Program, the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, and Appalachian State University’s Beaver College of Health Sciences. 

“Paul’s impact on the health and well-being of North Carolina cannot be overstated,” said NCHA President and CEO Josh Dobson. “His leadership and dedication to mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders will be felt for years to come. His numerous contributions truly exemplify the spirit of service and commitment to excellence in healthcare.” 

Hammes has received the Duke Energy Citizenship and Service Award, the American Healthcare Association’s Grassroots Champion Award, and was recognized by the Triad Business Journal with both its “40 under 40” and C-suite leadership awards. 

A Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, Paul has an MBA from the University of Georgia and is a military veteran. He has served on numerous boards including: the NCHA Board of Trustees; Mountain Valley Hospice; the Surry County Economic Development Partnership; the Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce; Teleios Collaborative Network; the Southern Atlantic Healthcare Alliance; the Northwest NC YMCA; Forsyth Tech Community College’s Foundation; the Winston-Salem Arts Council; the Beaver College of Health Sciences; and the American College of Healthcare Executives CEO Council. 

Paul and wife Dana are proud parents of Marie and Matthew, and his hobbies gravitate towards all things music — including playing guitar with his band “Catastrophe Journal.” 

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About NCHA 

Founded in 1918, North Carolina Healthcare Association (NCHA) is the united voice of the North Carolina healthcare community. Representing more than 130 hospitals, health systems, physician groups and other healthcare organizations, NCHA works with our members to improve the health of North Carolina communities by advocating for sound public policies and collaborative partnerships and by providing insights, services, support, and education to expand access to high quality, efficient, affordable, and integrated health care for all North Carolinians.