By Junious Smith III

Turns out, UNC Lenoir Health Care’s new CEO has been here for the organization all along.

Robert Enders took over as interim CEO shortly after the retirement of Gary Black, who served as president and CEO for 26 years before stepping down in June 2018. As Enders assisted UNC Lenoir, he also worked as the president of Chatham Hospital in Siler City, splitting time with both organizations.

“I started working as an interim CEO in January and was here three days a week, but I would also work two days a week at Chatham,” Enders said. “There was a CEO in place, but at the last minute he decided to stay where he was and I was asked to take over full time.”

Last month, Enders made the transition and the decision was met with overwhelming approval.

“When the board was looking to hire the new CEO, they made a list of priorities and qualities the candidate needed to meet or exceed,” UNC Lenoir Health Care Marketing Coordinator Barbara Laroque said. “They felt like Robert could fulfill them all — he has experience in hospital management, employee satisfaction and managed a five-star hospital. He excels in many areas and we could use his expertise to help enhance what we have here at UNC Lenoir.”

Enders has an extensive career in the field, receiving his Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Virginia Commonwealth in 1983 and working at Morehead Memorial Hospital in Eden for 25 years. Enders joined the UNC Health Care system in 2012 when he became president of Chatham Hospital, but also had a 10-month stint as interim CEO at Wayne Memorial.

Enders said he’s ready to make an impact in the community.

“There are a number of challenges, but I’m up for it,” he said. “I’ve been blessed to have some success in previous locations and I hope to help propel this hospital forward. Visibility is big for me, not only for the hospital and staff, but being involved in the city. I want to help with various local charities and community organizations, getting plugged into as much as my schedule will allow.

“I want to be open and transparent, getting the word out about everything we have going on here.”

Enders said he hopes to remain in the position for years to come.

“I’m not the type of person who’s going to jump immediately at the next opportunity,” Enders said. “I plan on getting settled and staying here for a while.”