North Carolina Healthcare Foundation Announces New Board Members for 2026
Raleigh, NC – The North Carolina Healthcare Foundation (NCHF) today announced the appointment of Dr. Lawrence Greenblatt, State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer, NC Department of Health and Human Services, and Joshua Swift, Public Health Director, Forsyth County Health Department, as new members to its Board of Trustees.
“We are honored to welcome these accomplished leaders to our Board,” said Dr. LaPonda Edmondson, President of the NCHF. “Their deep expertise, shared commitment to delivering high-quality care for medically and socially complex populations, dedication to strengthening community-based systems of care, and strong understanding of North Carolina’s healthcare and public health landscape will be instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s mission.”
Dr. Penney Burlingame Deal, President and CEO of Onslow Memorial Hospital and Chair of the NCHF Board of Trustees, said, “On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to welcome Dr. Greenblatt and Mr. Swift. Their vision and fresh perspectives will be invaluable as we navigate an increasingly complex healthcare landscape, and we look forward to the important work ahead.”
2026 NCHF Board of Trustees members are as follows:
- (Chair) Penney Burlingame Deal, President & CEO, Onslow Memorial Hospital
- (Treasurer) Jeffrey Creagh, Vice President, Professional & Patient Services, Novant Health
- (Secretary) Jessie Tucker III, President & CEO, UNC Health Wayne
- Juan Austin, Senior Vice President for Social Impact, Sustainability & Community Relations, Wells Fargo Foundation
- Chad Brown, President, South & West Areas, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
- Kelly Calabria, Chief Communications, Marketing, & Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC
- Josh Dobson, President & CEO, North Carolina Healthcare Association
- Susan Kansagra, Chief Medical Officer, Association of State & Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)
- Greg Lowe, President of NC Division, HCA Healthcare, Mission Health/HCA
- Tchernavia Montgomery, CEO, Care Ring
- Mike Richardson, Program Officer Healthcare, The Leon Levine Foundation and Practicing Physician, Atrium Health
- Adia Ross, Chief Medical Officer, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist—High Point Regional Medical Center
- Jeffrey Sims, Assistant Professor & Associate Chair for Alumni & External Relations, Department of Health Policy & Management, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health
- Lynda Stanley, President & CEO, Dosher Memorial Hospital
North Carolina Healthcare Foundation (NCHF) is the charitable non-profit, innovative and programmatic arm of the North Carolina Healthcare Association. NCHF brings professionals and organizations together to create healthier communities in North Carolina and beyond. To learn more about the NCHF and the priority areas, visit: ncha.org/foundation.
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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.
About North Carolina Healthcare Foundation
Established in 1964, the North Carolina Healthcare Foundation is the charitable non-profit, innovative and programmatic arm of the North Carolina Healthcare Association. The Foundation brings together diverse voices and perspectives to support community-based innovation and develop leading-edge programming to drive lasting change. Its goal is to power system-wide solutions, redefine the healthcare delivery system and improve the health and well-being of people in North Carolina and beyond. The Foundation works in concert with the Association to shape policy, inform the public and drive change.