FirstHealth Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

FirstHealth has 10 executives leading key functions including marketing, financial oversight, information technology, operational nursing, and regional administration.

Committed to community wellness, FirstHealth delivers comprehensive medical services across North and South Carolina through a robust, not-for-profit network focused on patient-centered care and regional health accessibility.

Leadership Roles at FirstHealth

  • Chief Financial Officer - John Price
  • Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive - Allison Duckworth
  • President - John Jackson
  • President - Bruce Jaufmann
  • President of Nurses - Emily Harder
  • President - Western Region - Kerry Herbine
  • Chief Marketing Officer - John Krahnert
  • Chief Information Officer - Dave Dillihund
  • Vice President, Chief Information Officer - Christopher Beasley
  • Director, Administrative of Technology - Morgan Hammac
  • John Price - Chief Financial Officer

    John Price, the Chief Financial Officer at FirstHealth, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation for the entire not-for-profit network. Overseeing complex budgetary processes, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources remain directed toward critical medical infrastructure and patient care services. This leadership role involves rigorous financial planning to support the expansion of hospital facilities throughout the Carolinas. John Price collaborates with the executive team to optimize revenue cycles and maintain the financial stability required for long-term operational success. By implementing cost-effective procurement strategies, the Chief Financial Officer drives efficiency across all departments. Price monitors economic indicators to mitigate risks, ensuring that the organization maintains a strong balance sheet. Through disciplined fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer supports the mission of providing high-quality care to the community, ultimately securing the financial foundation necessary for the network to continue serving the region effectively.

    Allison Duckworth - Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive

    Allison Duckworth, the Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive at FirstHealth, directs the daily clinical operations and nursing standards across the entire hospital network. Overseeing the delivery of patient care, the Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive ensures that all medical facilities maintain the highest levels of safety and quality. This leadership role involves managing nursing staff recruitment and professional development to support the mission of compassionate care. Allison Duckworth collaborates with the executive team to refine operational protocols that improve patient throughput and satisfaction. By optimizing clinical workflows, the Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive drives efficiency in hospital departments. Duckworth monitors clinical outcomes to ensure compliance with regional health standards. Through the integration of nursing expertise into executive decision-making, the Chief Operating Officer & Nurse & Executive supports the overall health impact of the organization, ultimately ensuring that the network provides exceptional care to the community.

    John Jackson - President

    John Jackson, the President at FirstHealth, leads the strategic vision and overall organizational growth of the not-for-profit health network. Overseeing the expansion of medical services, the President ensures that the organization remains a cornerstone of health in the Carolinas. This leadership role involves guiding the executive team toward achieving long-term goals related to patient care and community wellness. John Jackson collaborates with the Board to align operational activities with the mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare. By fostering a culture of excellence, the President drives performance across all hospital departments. Jackson monitors the competitive landscape to identify opportunities for service enhancement. Through the execution of strategic initiatives, the President supports the financial and clinical success of the network, ultimately ensuring that the organization continues to meet the diverse health needs of the regional population while maintaining its status as a trusted community provider.

    Bruce Jaufmann - President

    Bruce Jaufmann, the President at FirstHealth, directs the operational strategy and service delivery models for specific hospital divisions within the network. Overseeing the implementation of clinical programs, the President ensures that each facility meets the high standards of care expected by the community. This leadership role involves managing relationships with medical staff and department heads to drive excellence in patient outcomes. Bruce Jaufmann collaborates with the executive team to refine service offerings based on regional health demands. By optimizing resource allocation, the President drives efficiency in hospital operations. Jaufmann monitors quality metrics to ensure that the network remains a leader in healthcare delivery. Through the execution of strategic plans, the President supports the mission of providing accessible medical services, ultimately ensuring that the organization maintains its commitment to the health and well-being of the population across the Carolinas.

    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 network. Overseeing the professional development of nursing staff, the President of Nurses ensures that the organization maintains a highly skilled and compassionate care team. This leadership role involves collaborating with hospital administrators to integrate nursing perspectives into the strategic planning process. Emily Harder directs the implementation of evidence-based care protocols that improve patient recovery times. By fostering a supportive work environment, the President of Nurses drives retention and excellence in clinical performance. Harder monitors nursing quality indicators to ensure compliance with regional health regulations. Through the leadership of the nursing division, the President of Nurses supports the mission of providing high-quality, patient-centered care, ultimately ensuring that the network remains a trusted provider of medical services throughout the region.

    Kerry Herbine - President - Western Region

    Kerry Herbine, the President - Western Region at FirstHealth, directs all hospital operations and strategic initiatives within the western territory of the network. Overseeing the delivery of medical services in this specific geography, the President - Western Region ensures that local facilities meet the unique health needs of the community. This leadership role involves managing regional partnerships and coordinating with the executive team to align local operations with the broader organizational mission. Kerry Herbine drives the expansion of specialized care programs to improve access for patients in the western region. By optimizing operational workflows, the President - Western Region ensures that facilities maintain high standards of efficiency and quality. Herbine monitors regional performance metrics to identify areas for improvement. Through the effective management of the western territory, the President - Western Region supports the overall success of the network, ultimately ensuring that the organization provides consistent, high-quality care across its entire operational footprint.
    Kerry Herbine

    John Krahnert - Chief Marketing Officer

    John Krahnert, the Chief Marketing Officer at FirstHealth, directs all brand positioning and community outreach initiatives across the Carolinas. By architecting comprehensive communication strategies, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the public understands the full scope of the not-for-profit health network. This leadership role involves managing digital presence and patient engagement programs to drive service utilization. John Krahnert maintains alignment with the Board to ensure marketing efforts reflect the core mission of accessible, high-quality care. Through data-driven campaigns, the Chief Marketing Officer expands the reach of the network into new regional markets. Krahnert monitors market trends to adjust messaging, ensuring that the organization remains a trusted provider. By fostering strong relationships with local stakeholders, the Chief Marketing Officer secures the reputation of the network as a leader in regional health services, ultimately supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of the entire health system.
    John Krahnert

    Dave Dillihund - Chief Information Officer

    Dave Dillihund, the Chief Information Officer at FirstHealth, architects the digital infrastructure and data security protocols for the entire health network. Overseeing the integration of electronic health records, the Chief Information Officer ensures that clinical teams possess seamless access to patient data. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity defenses to protect sensitive medical information across all regional facilities. Dave Dillihund collaborates with the executive team to implement innovative health technologies that improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. By streamlining digital workflows, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency within the hospital system. Dillihund evaluates emerging software solutions to maintain a competitive edge in the healthcare industry. Through the deployment of robust network systems, the Chief Information Officer supports the mission of delivering reliable, technology-enabled care, ultimately ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of digital health transformation in the Carolinas.

    Christopher Beasley - Vice President, Chief Information Officer

    Christopher Beasley, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer at FirstHealth, manages the strategic deployment of enterprise-wide information systems. Overseeing the modernization of legacy platforms, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer ensures that clinical and administrative departments operate with high-speed, reliable connectivity. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to prioritize technology investments that enhance patient care delivery. Christopher Beasley directs the implementation of advanced analytics tools to track hospital performance metrics. By optimizing data storage and retrieval processes, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer drives significant improvements in operational productivity. Beasley monitors the performance of IT teams to ensure alignment with the broader organizational goals of the network. Through the strategic application of digital resources, the Vice President, Chief Information Officer supports the mission of providing accessible healthcare, ultimately ensuring that the infrastructure remains capable of meeting the evolving needs of the regional patient population.
    Christopher Beasley

    Morgan Hammac - Director, Administrative of Technology

    Morgan Hammac, the Director, Administrative of Technology at FirstHealth, manages the operational support systems that facilitate daily hospital functions. Overseeing the maintenance of administrative software, the Director, Administrative of Technology ensures that staff members possess the tools required for efficient record-keeping and scheduling. This leadership role involves coordinating with the IT department to resolve technical issues that impact hospital productivity. Morgan Hammac directs the implementation of administrative protocols that streamline communication between departments. By optimizing the use of technology in non-clinical areas, the Director, Administrative of Technology drives operational efficiency across the network. Hammac monitors system performance to ensure that administrative tasks remain uninterrupted. Through the effective management of technological resources, the Director, Administrative of Technology supports the mission of providing high-quality care, ultimately ensuring that the organization operates with the precision and reliability necessary to serve the regional community effectively.

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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 John Jackson (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), John Jackson (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, President of Nurses.