UNC Health Appalachian has promoted its current chief operating officer, Nathan Nipper, to CEO. He will succeed Chuck Mantooth, who announced in July he would retire at the end of this year.
“Nathan is a talented and passionate leader who will continue UNC Health Appalachian’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of all patients in northwest North Carolina and beyond,” said Jim Deal, chair of UNC Health Appalachian’s board of trustees, in a release. “Nathan is committed to our community and this organization.”
“Nathan knows how to build strong relationships among teammates and physicians and recognizes the value of UNC Health Appalachian’s culture,” said Tammy Scarborough, UNC Health’s chief administrative officer and president Statewide Region, Affiliations and Integration, in a release. “He is passionate about serving the community and providing the highest quality care in the region.”
Nipper, 53, will assume the role of president and CEO on Jan 1. He will oversee a system with more than 1,500 employees anchored by Watauga Medical Center in Boone, Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital in Linville, and other facilities and clinics. Watauga Medical Center was recently recognized with another top “A” grade for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group, and as a top hospital for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report.
Cannon also consistently receives high marks for safety and patient satisfaction.
“I’m proud of the incredible care that UNC Health Appalachian teammates provide every day to our patients,” Nipper said. “I look forward to leading this outstanding organization and exploring new ways to serve our region.”
Nipper joined UNC Health Appalachian in December 2022, and has worked as a health leader for nearly three decades. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, and an MBA and master of health administration degree from Georgia State University. Nipper also completed an administrative residency at Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia.
In May 2022, UNC Health said it approved a 10-year management services agreement with Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, the main hospital system serving the Boone and High Country area. Financial details weren’t disclosed. Appalachian considered eight potential partners before selecting UNC Health, officials said at the time.
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the UNC system, comprised of nearly 20 hospitals and more than 900 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine.