UNC Health Lenoir’s Board of Directors has named Crystal Hayden, DNP, RN, FACHE, as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer, effective May 28, 2023. Hayden has served as Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health Nash since 2019, and as Chief Nursing Officer at UNC Health Nash since 2016.  

“We are extremely pleased that Crystal Hayden has agreed to lead UNC Health Lenoir,” said Carl Younger, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Dr. Hayden brings not only a wealth of experience in health care but also a passion for helping the people of Eastern North Carolina. We are excited about her vision for our hospital and the communities we serve.” 

Hayden earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Hawaii Pacific University, a Master of Science degree in Nursing from Duke University, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Duke University. Before she joined the leadership team at Nash UNC Health Care in 2016, Hayden served as Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Onslow Memorial Hospital from 2008 to 2016.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Crystal to UNC Health Lenoir after having the pleasure of working with her at UNC Health Nash for many years,” said Tammy Scarborough, President, UNC Health’s Statewide Region. “Crystal’s breadth of experience and her longstanding commitment to health care in eastern North Carolina will have an immediate impact at UNC Health Lenoir and will help advance and elevate care.” 

“I look forward to working with the board of directors, medical staff and hospital teams to ensure UNC Health Lenoir’s continued success as a strong community health system,” Hayden said.  “My family and I are excited to get involved with the wonderful community of Kinston.” 

About UNC Health Lenoir

UNC Health Lenoir, licensed for 199 beds, is a nonprofit organization serving the Lenoir County area with acute, outpatient, and community health services. The hospital has a 116-year history of providing excellent care to the community.  In addition to general medical, surgical, and obstetrical and gynecological care, UNC Lenoir offers specialized services including cardiology, pulmonology, oncology, radiology and urology. Surgical specialties include general, vascular, orthopedic and bariatric with a staff trained to take special care during recovery. UNC Lenoir affiliated with the UNC Health Care System in 2017. UNC Health is an integrated health care system based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and is comprised of UNC Hospitals and its provider network, UNC Faculty Physicians and UNC Physicians Network.