ECU Health Executive and Leadership Team

Michael Waldrum, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean at ECU Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire healthcare network. Waldrum architects long-term growth initiatives that prioritize rural health access across North Carolina and neighboring regions. By aligning clinical research with patient care delivery, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean ensures that medical services meet rigorous accreditation standards. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain financial sustainability while expanding surgical and emergency capabilities. Michael Waldrum drives the mission to transform regional healthcare into a national model of excellence. Through the integration of academic medicine and community-based practice, the Chief Executive Officer & Dean fosters a culture of trust and comfort. Ultimately, Waldrum secures the future of the organization by championing innovation in medical treatment and community wellness programs.

Elizabeth Gurkin, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer and Dean at ECU Health, manages the operational flow and executive communications for the leadership team. Gurkin coordinates high-level projects that bridge the gap between administrative policy and clinical execution. By streamlining internal processes, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer and Dean facilitates efficient decision-making across the hospital network. This role requires constant interaction with department heads to ensure that organizational goals remain consistent with the mission of improving patient outcomes in eastern North Carolina. Elizabeth Gurkin oversees the implementation of strategic directives that support the broader healthcare facility objectives. Through meticulous planning and resource allocation, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer and Dean maintains the operational integrity of the executive suite. Ultimately, Gurkin supports the expansion of medical services by ensuring that leadership priorities receive necessary administrative focus.

William Koch, the Chief Financial Officer at ECU Health, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Koch directs the budgeting processes that support the delivery of 24-hour emergency care and specialized surgical services. By analyzing revenue cycles and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that the hospital maintains the resources required to serve patients across Halifax, Northampton, and Warren counties. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of financial reporting and compliance to sustain the facility's accredited status. William Koch drives initiatives to optimize supply chain efficiency and reduce overhead without compromising the quality of patient treatment. Through strategic financial planning, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term viability of rural health programs. Ultimately, Koch secures the economic foundation necessary for the hospital to continue providing compassionate care to the surrounding communities.

Brian Dunn, the Chief Financial Officer​ at ECU Health, focuses on the strategic investment and revenue growth initiatives for the hospital. Dunn directs the financial planning for facility expansions and the acquisition of new medical equipment to serve the growing patient population in eastern North Carolina. By analyzing market trends and regional economic factors, the Chief Financial Officer​ ensures that the hospital remains competitive while fulfilling its mission of rural health service. This leadership role involves managing the financial risks associated with large-scale healthcare projects and ensuring long-term fiscal stability. Brian Dunn drives the development of cost-effective care models that improve accessibility for patients in underserved areas. Through the careful management of capital assets, the Chief Financial Officer​ supports the ongoing improvement of medical services. Ultimately, Dunn secures the financial resources required to maintain the hospital's status as a leader in rural wellness.

James Egbert, the Chief of Staff at ECU Health, coordinates the professional activities and clinical governance of the medical staff. Egbert facilitates communication between the physician body and the executive leadership to ensure alignment on patient care standards. By overseeing the credentialing and performance evaluation of over 60 physicians, the Chief of Staff maintains the high quality of medical services provided to the region. This role involves resolving complex operational challenges that arise within the hospital environment to keep clinical workflows smooth. James Egbert drives the implementation of policies that enhance the patient experience and foster a culture of safety. Through active engagement with the medical team, the Chief of Staff ensures that clinical practices reflect the latest advancements in rural healthcare. Ultimately, Egbert supports the hospital's mission by maintaining a highly skilled and cohesive medical workforce.

Donette Herring, the Chief Information Officer at ECU Health, directs the digital transformation and data management strategies for the healthcare network. Herring architects the electronic health record systems that enable physicians to provide seamless care across multiple counties. By overseeing the integration of medical software and administrative databases, the Chief Information Officer ensures that patient information remains secure and accessible. This leadership role involves managing the technological infrastructure that supports 24-hour emergency services and surgical operations. Donette Herring drives the adoption of innovative digital tools to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient monitoring. Through the optimization of information systems, the Chief Information Officer enhances the efficiency of clinical workflows and administrative reporting. Ultimately, Herring supports the organization's goal of becoming a national model for rural health by leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes and operational transparency.

Bojan Petrovic, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer & Interim Chief Information Security Officer at ECU Health, manages the technical architecture and cybersecurity posture of the hospital. Petrovic directs the deployment of advanced medical technologies that support surgical and emergency care delivery. By implementing robust security protocols, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer & Interim Chief Information Security Officer protects sensitive patient data from emerging digital threats. This role involves evaluating new hardware and software solutions to ensure the facility remains at the forefront of medical innovation. Bojan Petrovic drives the strategic alignment of technology investments with the hospital's mission to improve regional health. Through the continuous monitoring of network integrity, the Vice President & Chief Technology Officer & Interim Chief Information Security Officer maintains the reliability of critical healthcare systems. Ultimately, Petrovic secures the digital environment necessary for high-quality patient treatment.

David Lingle, the Chief of Staff & Surgeon at ECU Health, balances clinical surgical responsibilities with the administrative oversight of the medical staff. Lingle directs the surgical department to ensure that all procedures meet the highest standards of patient safety and clinical efficacy. By performing complex surgeries while simultaneously managing staff performance, the Chief of Staff & Surgeon provides a unique perspective on the operational needs of the hospital. This role involves mentoring junior surgeons and fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes patient comfort. David Lingle drives the adoption of advanced surgical techniques that reduce recovery times and improve outcomes for patients across the region. Through the integration of clinical expertise and leadership, the Chief of Staff & Surgeon ensures that the medical team remains focused on the mission of compassionate care. Ultimately, Lingle maintains the surgical excellence that defines the hospital's reputation.

Charlene Wilson, the Chief Human Resources Officer at ECU Health, manages the talent acquisition, retention, and organizational development strategies for the entire workforce. Wilson directs the recruitment of specialized physicians and nursing staff to ensure that the hospital maintains a high level of care across all departments. By fostering a supportive work environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer promotes employee engagement and professional growth. This leadership role involves designing compensation and benefits programs that attract top-tier medical talent to rural North Carolina. Charlene Wilson drives the implementation of training initiatives that align staff performance with the hospital's mission of patient-centered wellness. Through the development of robust human capital strategies, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization has the necessary expertise to meet patient needs. Ultimately, Wilson secures the human resources required to sustain the hospital's operational success.

Janet Mullaney, the Chief Administrative Officer at ECU Health, oversees the daily operations and facility management of the hospital. Mullaney directs the administrative functions that support the delivery of medical services, including patient intake, facility maintenance, and regulatory compliance. By streamlining the non-clinical aspects of the hospital, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that medical staff can focus entirely on patient treatment. This role involves coordinating with various departments to optimize the use of hospital resources and improve the overall patient experience. Janet Mullaney drives the implementation of operational policies that enhance efficiency and maintain a safe, compassionate environment. Through the management of day-to-day logistics, the Chief Administrative Officer supports the hospital's goal of becoming a national model for rural health. Ultimately, Mullaney secures the operational foundation that allows the facility to provide consistent and high-quality care to the community.