Harris Regional Hospital in Jackson County and Swain Community Hospital in Swain County, have appointed a new chief executive officer.
Ashley Hindman has been serving as the chief financial officer (CFO) of the hospital system and will now become CEO. Hindman joined Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals as CFO in November of 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Accounting concentration from The Citadel: The Military College of South Carolina, and a Master of Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina.
"We are thrilled to have Ashley take on the role of CEO. His exceptional track record and deep understanding of our organization's values make him the ideal leader to continue to make an impact on the families and patients of the communities we serve,” said Nick Jernigan, MD, Chairman of the Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital Board of Trustees in a press release. “With his financial acumen and commitment to quality care, we are confident in his ability to drive our hospitals to new heights."
For-profit Duke-LifePoint purchased the hospital system in 2014. Then in 2018, LifePoint Health was purchased by RCCH Healthcare which operates in 12 states and is owned by private equity firm Apollo Management Group.
Hindman is preceded by CEO Christopher Munton who took on the position in May 2022. Munton became CEO of Wilson Medical Center, also a Duke Lifepoint hospital, at the end of April 2023.
"I am honored to step into the role of CEO and continue our journey towards providing high quality, accessible healthcare to the members of WNC. I am dedicated to upholding our commitment to our patients, staff, and the broader community,” Hindman said in a press release. “By fostering collaboration and focusing on quality care, we will work together to ensure the well-being of those we serve.”
Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital have worked in affiliation since 1997.
