Novant Health Executive and Leadership Team

Carl Armato, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Novant Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for this nonprofit healthcare system. Overseeing the entire integrated network of hospitals and physician clinics, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment between clinical excellence and long-term organizational sustainability. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with the Board while driving initiatives that expand access to medical care across the southeastern United States. By prioritizing patient-centered programs and advanced clinical technology, Armato shapes the future of community health delivery. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on operational efficiency and financial health to support the mission of providing high-quality services throughout every stage of life. Through consistent engagement with regional stakeholders, Carl Armato secures the resources necessary to maintain the competitive market position of the organization while fostering a culture of innovation and compassionate care.

Bernie Washington, the Senior Vice President, System Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer at Novant Health, facilitates the execution of strategic priorities across the entire healthcare system. Overseeing the alignment of executive functions, the Senior Vice President, System Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer manages the flow of information between the Chief Executive Officer and the broader leadership team. This role involves coordinating high-level initiatives that impact the integrated network of hospitals and physician clinics. By streamlining decision-making processes, Washington ensures that the organization remains focused on its mission of improving community health. The Senior Vice President, System Chief of Staff To the Chief Executive Officer monitors the progress of key projects and addresses operational bottlenecks to maintain organizational momentum. Through effective communication and strategic planning, Bernie Washington supports the leadership team in achieving long-term goals and maintaining the high quality of care expected across the southeastern United States.

Devin Hatchett, the Administrative Manager To Chief Financial Officer at Novant Health, coordinates the daily operational flow within the financial division. Supporting the Chief Financial Officer, the Administrative Manager To Chief Financial Officer manages critical workflows that underpin the fiscal stability of the integrated hospital network. This role involves organizing executive communications, tracking budgetary milestones, and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration to ensure financial transparency. By streamlining administrative processes, Hatchett enables the leadership team to focus on strategic investments in clinical technology and outpatient infrastructure. The Administrative Manager To Chief Financial Officer monitors project timelines and resource allocation to support the broader mission of delivering accessible healthcare. Through meticulous attention to detail, Devin Hatchett optimizes the internal environment for the financial department, ensuring that all fiscal operations remain aligned with the long-term growth objectives of the organization across North Carolina and South Carolina.

Nicole Brenner, the President & Chief Operating Officer (Kernersville Medical Center) at Novant Health, manages the daily clinical and administrative functions of this specialized medical facility. Overseeing local operations, the President & Chief Operating Officer (Kernersville Medical Center) ensures that patient care delivery meets the high standards of the broader integrated network. This role involves coordinating between medical staff and administrative teams to optimize the patient experience within the facility. By focusing on operational excellence, Brenner supports the mission of providing accessible healthcare services to the local community. The President & Chief Operating Officer (Kernersville Medical Center) monitors performance metrics and implements process improvements to enhance service quality. Through active leadership at the facility level, Nicole Brenner ensures that the medical center contributes effectively to the overall success of the organization, maintaining a focus on patient safety and clinical efficiency in every aspect of daily operations.

John Gizdic, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Novant Health, directs the operational strategy for the entire integrated network of hospitals and outpatient facilities. Overseeing the day-to-day performance of the system, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures that clinical services remain consistent and efficient across all locations. This leadership role involves managing the complex logistics of healthcare delivery, from primary care clinics to specialized medical centers. By optimizing operational workflows, Gizdic supports the organization in providing high-quality, accessible care to communities throughout the southeastern United States. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other C-suite leaders to implement system-wide improvements that enhance patient outcomes and organizational growth. Through rigorous oversight of operational standards, John Gizdic maintains the reputation of the health system as a leader in providing comprehensive medical care that supports patients throughout every stage of life.

R.Henry Capps Jr, the Senior VP & Chief Operating Officer (Physician Network) at Novant Health, manages the operational performance of the extensive physician clinic network. Overseeing the integration of primary and specialty care practices, the Senior VP & Chief Operating Officer (Physician Network) ensures that patients receive seamless medical services across all outpatient locations. This role involves optimizing clinical workflows, managing provider resources, and enhancing the patient experience within the physician network. By focusing on operational efficiency, Capps supports the broader mission of providing accessible, high-quality healthcare. The Senior VP & Chief Operating Officer (Physician Network) collaborates with clinical leadership to implement best practices that improve health outcomes for communities across the southeastern United States. Through strategic management of the physician network, R.Henry Capps Jr ensures that the organization maintains a strong presence in the primary care market while supporting the overall growth and stability of the health system.

Kevan Lovin, the Vice President, Infrastructure Products & Chief Technology Officer, Services at Novant Health, architects the digital foundation required for modern medical care. Overseeing the deployment of advanced clinical technology, the Vice President, Infrastructure Products & Chief Technology Officer, Services ensures that all outpatient facilities and hospitals maintain secure, high-performance connectivity. This leadership role involves managing the integration of complex data systems that support patient-centered care programs across the southeastern United States. By modernizing technical infrastructure, Lovin enables seamless communication between primary care providers and specialty medical centers. The Vice President, Infrastructure Products & Chief Technology Officer, Services drives digital transformation initiatives that improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes. Through strategic oversight of hardware and software ecosystems, Kevan Lovin guarantees that the organization remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation, providing the necessary tools for clinicians to deliver high-quality services in an increasingly digital environment.

Catherine Conrad, the Director, Deputy Chief of Staff at Novant Health, supports the administrative leadership in managing the complex operations of the healthcare system. Overseeing internal communications and project coordination, the Director, Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that executive directives are implemented across the network of hospitals and clinics. This role involves facilitating meetings, tracking strategic initiatives, and maintaining alignment between various departments. By providing essential administrative support, Conrad enables the leadership team to focus on the mission of delivering high-quality medical care. The Director, Deputy Chief of Staff monitors operational progress and assists in the resolution of administrative challenges to ensure smooth organizational functioning. Through diligent management of executive workflows, Catherine Conrad contributes to the overall efficiency of the health system, helping to maintain the high standards of service that define the organization across its regional operations in the southeastern United States.

Sebastien Girard, the Chief People Officer at Novant Health, directs the human capital strategy for the entire organization. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture, the Chief People Officer ensures that the health system attracts and retains the skilled professionals necessary to deliver high-quality medical care. This leadership role involves fostering an environment that supports the well-being of healthcare providers across the integrated network of hospitals and clinics. By implementing comprehensive training and engagement programs, Girard aligns the workforce with the mission of providing patient-centered care. The Chief People Officer collaborates with other executives to build a resilient and inclusive culture that drives operational success. Through strategic management of human resources, Sebastien Girard ensures that the organization remains a preferred employer in the healthcare sector, ultimately supporting the delivery of accessible and compassionate services to communities throughout the southeastern United States.

Angie Higdon, the Chief Medical Officer at Novant Health, leads the clinical strategy and quality standards for the entire healthcare system. Overseeing the medical staff and clinical protocols, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all hospitals and outpatient facilities adhere to the highest levels of patient safety and care excellence. This leadership role involves coordinating with clinical teams to implement evidence-based practices that improve health outcomes across the southeastern United States. By focusing on clinical innovation and quality improvement, Higdon supports the mission of providing comprehensive medical care throughout every stage of life. The Chief Medical Officer collaborates with the executive team to integrate advanced medical technology into daily practice, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in clinical performance. Through rigorous oversight of medical standards, Angie Higdon guarantees that the health system delivers consistent, high-quality care that meets the evolving needs of the communities served.