The Kinston Community Health Center announced that Lisa Wallace, KCHC board member for the past five years, has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. She took the reigns after the unexpected passing of Darlene Ennett. Board Chair Rosalind McDonald stepped down to become the interim CEO after Ennett passed.

“This is going to be a new beginning for me,” said Wallace. “I thought to myself, you are near the end of your career and you are doing something different. It’s very exciting and energizing. It’s almost like learning something new.

Wallace previously worked at the hospital for 34 years. She started in laboratory and laboratory management before transitioning into staff development. She’s worked in multiple departments over patient relations as well. Wallace brings a strong background in healthcare management, organization leadership, healthcare finance, and healthcare regulatory compliance.

“KCHC has a great team, great providers, I think they have great people that work in the nursing and quality areas. The teamwork that I’ve seen and their genuine concern for their patients speak to their abilities. The great role they play in the community,” said Wallace.

Wallace holds an Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science from Coastal Carolina Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from East Carolina University, and a Master’s in health care administration from the University of NC at Chapel Hill. She has served on the Kinston Community Board of Directors since 2016.

“I’d like to see the services probably extend out more. I think they struggle a little bit getting them to the people that need them. Going out there and finding out who needs their services that is not getting them and building upon that,” said Wallace. “I know there are challenges, the building is a big challenge. They got a nice grant to do things like the roof and the HVAC as well as getting a backup generator.”

Kinston Community Health Center strives to provide quality and accessible health care to all the people of our community in a cost-efficient manner.

“I feel like this is my heart, I feel like this is something that I am, as a Christian. This is something that is so needed, and I feel privileged to be a part of it,” said Wallace.