Ronnie, as he is known to the more than 600 team members at Outer Banks Health and throughout the Outer Banks community, announced this week that he will retire at the end of this calendar year after 40 years in healthcare leadership, with the last 14 being with Outer Banks Health.
Because of Ronnie’s local leadership, healthcare access significantly expanded on the Outer Banks, transforming a small critical access hospital into a comprehensive community hospital network. Ronnie’s tenure has notably reduced mortality rates from diseases like stroke and cancer in Dare County, and he is celebrated for fostering a culture of compassion among team members, patients, and the community.
His impact was recognized nationally when The American Hospital Association selected Ronnie for the 2018 Rural Health Leadership Award that recognizes hospital leaders who guide their organizations through transformational change and display outstanding leadership and commitment to improving health and access to healthcare.
“Ronnie has provided a generous notice that gives us time to identify the next leader and ensure a smooth and seamless transition, one that continues the incredible momentum he has spearheaded,” stated D. Van Smith, President of the ECU Health Community Hospitals and president of The Outer Banks Hospital from 2006 -2011. “We also have time to plan a retirement celebration where we can come together as a community and recognize the incredible impact that Ronnie has made in the health, well-being and quality of life for residents and visitors of the Outer Banks,” Van added.
The process to select the next leader of Outer Banks Health will be led by Van, in partnership with his counterpart Reese Jackson, President and CEO of Chesapeake Regional Healthcare.
