FirstHealth Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

FirstHealth has 10 executives leading key functions including information technology, marketing, financial management, clinical operations, and regional administration.

Committed to delivering high-quality patient care across the Carolinas, FirstHealth maintains a robust network of facilities focused on community health and medical excellence.

Leadership Roles at FirstHealth

  • Chief Financial Officer - John Price
  • Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive - Allison Duckworth
  • President - Rebecca Carter
  • President of Southern Region - Christy Land
  • President of Nurses - Emily Harder
  • President - Western Region - Kerry Herbine
  • Chief Information Officer - Dave Dillihund
  • Chief Marketing Officer - John Krahnert
  • Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Chris Beasley
  • Director, Administrative of Technology - Morgan Hammac
  • John Price - Chief Financial Officer

    John Price, the Chief Financial Officer at FirstHealth, oversees the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the entire not-for-profit network. Managing the allocation of capital resources, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial planning aligns with the operational requirements of hospitals and clinics across the Carolinas. This role involves monitoring revenue cycles, managing budgets, and evaluating the financial impact of new medical equipment and facility expansions. By implementing rigorous cost-control measures, Price maintains the financial stability necessary to support ongoing patient care initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the board to develop strategies that maximize the impact of available funding on community health outcomes. John Price drives financial transparency and accountability, ensuring that the organization remains a viable and effective health care provider. Through careful oversight of fiscal operations, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources required to sustain the mission of the network for future generations.

    Allison Duckworth - Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive

    Allison Duckworth, the Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive at FirstHealth, manages the daily clinical operations and nursing standards across the entire health care network. Overseeing the delivery of patient care, the Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive ensures that all facilities adhere to the highest safety and quality protocols. This role involves coordinating staffing levels, optimizing patient flow, and integrating clinical best practices into the daily routines of medical teams throughout North and South Carolina. By fostering a culture of excellence, Duckworth improves the overall patient experience and clinical outcomes. The Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive collaborates with other leaders to streamline operational processes and reduce inefficiencies within the hospital system. Allison Duckworth drives the implementation of new clinical programs that address the evolving health needs of the community. Through direct oversight of nursing and operational functions, the Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive maintains the high standards of care expected from the network.

    Rebecca Carter - President

    Rebecca Carter, the President at FirstHealth, provides executive leadership and sets the strategic direction for the entire not-for-profit health care network. Overseeing the execution of the organizational mission, the President ensures that all regional operations remain aligned with the goal of providing exceptional patient care across North and South Carolina. This role involves guiding the executive team, managing relationships with the board, and representing the network in the broader health care industry. By fostering a culture of innovation and service, Carter drives the growth and development of the hospital system. The President coordinates with other leaders to address complex challenges and capitalize on opportunities to improve community health outcomes. Rebecca Carter ensures that the organization maintains its commitment to quality and accessibility in every facility. Through visionary leadership, the President guides the network toward long-term success and continued impact as a leading provider of medical services in the region.

    Christy Land - President of Southern Region

    Christy Land, the President of Southern Region at FirstHealth, directs the operational performance and strategic growth of all facilities located within the southern territory of the network. Overseeing regional health care delivery, the President of Southern Region ensures that local hospitals and clinics meet the specific medical needs of the community. This role involves managing regional budgets, coordinating with local medical staff, and implementing system-wide initiatives at the facility level. By focusing on regional service expansion, Land improves access to specialized care for patients in the southern part of the Carolinas. The President of Southern Region collaborates with the executive team to ensure that regional operations support the broader mission of the organization. Christy Land drives the development of community partnerships that enhance the reach and effectiveness of the network. Through dedicated oversight of the southern region, the President of Southern Region maintains high standards of care and operational excellence.

    Emily Harder - President of Nurses

    Emily Harder, the President of Nurses at FirstHealth, leads the nursing workforce and establishes the standards for clinical practice across the entire health care network. Overseeing professional development and recruitment, the President of Nurses ensures that all facilities are staffed with highly skilled and compassionate medical professionals. This role involves implementing evidence-based nursing protocols that improve patient outcomes and safety. By fostering a supportive work environment, Harder enhances staff retention and promotes excellence in clinical care throughout North and South Carolina. The President of Nurses collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate nursing perspectives into the strategic planning of the organization. Emily Harder drives the adoption of new clinical technologies and practices that empower the nursing team to provide superior care. Through the leadership of the nursing division, the President of Nurses ensures that the network remains a trusted provider of high-quality medical services to the community.

    Kerry Herbine - President - Western Region

    Kerry Herbine, the President - Western Region at FirstHealth, oversees the operational success and strategic initiatives for all health care facilities situated in the western territory of the network. Managing regional resources, the President - Western Region ensures that hospitals and clinics in this area provide high-quality, accessible care to the local population. This role involves coordinating with regional medical directors to implement clinical programs and improve patient satisfaction. By focusing on the unique health needs of the western region, Herbine drives the expansion of services and the improvement of facility infrastructure. The President - Western Region collaborates with the executive team to align regional goals with the overarching mission of the organization. Kerry Herbine drives community engagement efforts that strengthen the presence of the network in the western Carolinas. Through the oversight of regional operations, the President - Western Region maintains the high standards of care and service expected from the entire health care system.
    Kerry Herbine

    Dave Dillihund - Chief Information Officer

    Dave Dillihund, the Chief Information Officer at FirstHealth, directs the digital infrastructure and data security protocols across the entire health care network. Overseeing the integration of electronic health records, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless communication between clinical departments and administrative units. This role involves architecting scalable technology solutions that support the complex needs of a not-for-profit hospital system. By optimizing data flow, Dillihund enhances the efficiency of patient care delivery throughout the North and South Carolina regions. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with the executive team to align technological investments with long-term organizational goals. Through the implementation of advanced cybersecurity measures, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive patient information while maintaining system uptime. Dave Dillihund drives the digital transformation necessary to keep the network at the forefront of modern medical technology, ultimately supporting the mission of providing accessible and reliable health care services to the community.

    John Krahnert - Chief Marketing Officer

    John Krahnert, the Chief Marketing Officer at FirstHealth, manages the brand identity and public outreach initiatives for the entire health care network. Overseeing strategic communications, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the mission of the organization reaches diverse patient populations across North and South Carolina. This leadership role involves developing comprehensive campaigns that highlight the specialized services and community-focused programs offered by the network. By analyzing market trends, Krahnert identifies opportunities to expand the reach of the hospital system into new service areas. The Chief Marketing Officer coordinates with clinical leadership to promote new medical offerings and wellness initiatives effectively. John Krahnert drives engagement through targeted outreach, ensuring that the public remains informed about the high-quality care available within the system. Through consistent messaging and community partnership development, the Chief Marketing Officer strengthens the reputation of the organization as a trusted provider of health care services.
    John Krahnert

    Chris Beasley - Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Chris Beasley, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at FirstHealth, leads the strategic development of health information systems and digital connectivity across the network. Overseeing the modernization of IT infrastructure, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer ensures that clinical staff have reliable access to critical patient data. This role involves managing complex software implementations and hardware upgrades that support the operational needs of hospitals in the Carolinas. By focusing on interoperability, Beasley improves the coordination of care between different departments and regional facilities. The Vice President, Chief Information Officer collaborates with the executive team to prioritize technology projects that enhance patient safety and administrative efficiency. Chris Beasley drives the adoption of innovative digital tools that streamline workflows for medical professionals. Through the management of information systems, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer supports the overall mission of the organization by providing the technological foundation necessary for high-quality health care delivery.
    Chris Beasley

    Morgan Hammac - Director, Administrative of Technology

    Morgan Hammac, the Director, Administrative of Technology at FirstHealth, manages the administrative software systems and technical support services that underpin the daily operations of the network. Overseeing the implementation of office automation tools, the Director, Administrative of Technology ensures that administrative staff have the resources necessary to support clinical teams effectively. This role involves managing the lifecycle of administrative hardware and software, from procurement to maintenance. By optimizing internal processes, Hammac improves the efficiency of hospital administration across the Carolinas. The Director, Administrative of Technology collaborates with the IT department to ensure that administrative systems are secure and integrated with the broader network infrastructure. Morgan Hammac drives the adoption of digital solutions that reduce paperwork and streamline communication between departments. Through the management of administrative technology, the Director, Administrative of Technology supports the overall mission of the organization by ensuring that the operational foundation remains robust and reliable.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding FirstHealth Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads FirstHealth?
    FirstHealth is led by John Price (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Allison Duckworth (Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive) and Rebecca Carter (President).
    Who is part of FirstHealth’s executive team?
    The executive team of FirstHealth includes leaders such as John Price (Chief Financial Officer), Allison Duckworth (Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive), Rebecca Carter (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does FirstHealth have?
    FirstHealth has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in FirstHealth’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of FirstHealth includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive, President, President of Southern Region, President of Nurses.