AHHC of NC Board of Directors

Barbara Knott
Vice Chair
Exec. Committee
UNC Home Health 

Zac Long, JD
Secretary
Exec. Committee
Well Care Health, Inc.

Chris Paterson
Exec. Committee
Carolina Complete Health
(Centene) 

Laura Elmore, MBA
Gentiva Hospice

Ken Fleming
Firstlight HomeCare of
Greater Charlotte

Dineen Morton
Cape Fear Valley Home Health

Nick Seabrook
SimiTree 

Michael Lalor, MD, MBA, is the Chief Medical Officer for Trellis Supportive Care (formerly known as Hospice and Palliative CareCenter) in Winston-Salem, NC., and is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Wake Forest University. Currently he serves as the Co-Director of Palliative Care for Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, having previously served as the director of the Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship. Dr. Lalor earned his medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, and his MBA with an emphasis in Healthcare Management from West Texas A&M University. With over 18 years’ experience, Dr. Lalor has an extensive background in hospice regulatory affairs and has lectured widely on regulatory topics affecting physicians. He serves on the Palliative Care Advisory Committee for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Dr. Lalor is a member of the American Association for Physician Leadership, the American College of Healthcare Executives, and is an alumnus of the Leadership College of the North Carolina Medical Society. 

Devin Griffith, MPA, MSW, is currently the Vice President of Business Development and Innovation for AuthoraCare Collective.  With a background in hospital, post-acute care and population health, Devin has been in the health care field for over 26 years and spent 16 years with Randolph Hospital as Vice President, Care Continuum and Support Services, and almost 4 years with Advanced Home Care as Vice President of Regional Development.  He has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from High Point University.  Devin received the Dr. Ellen B Winston Award in 2014 through the North Carolina Association of Home and Hospice and also received the Heart of Hospice Award through the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in 1998 Care for his work and advocacy for seniors, the disabled and terminally ill patients.   

Barbara Knott has worked in the Post-Acute industry for more than 35 years, gaining experience in Home Health, Hospice, Palliative Care, Home Infusion Pharmacy and HME. A seasoned post acute executive, prior to taking her current role as Vice President of Continuing Care Services for UNC Health Care in Chapel Hill, NC, Barbara gained experience working in an Integrated Delivery Network as Regional Executive Director for Home Care at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California. Previous experience includes Health System Office VP of Home Care services for Bon Secours Health System in Maryland and Executive Director of Home Care at Barnabas Health in NJ.

Zac Long transitioned into the Chief Executive Officer role for Well Care Health in October, 2017 following the death of former CEO, Wayne Long, in September. Zac's focus is to preserve the mission, vision, and values that have made Well Care successful over the last 30 years and continue moving the organization forward in terms of new service lines, territory expansion, and exceptional service for all patients. Zac joined Well Care in late 2016 as the Vice President of Growth and Strategy and spearheaded growth initiatives that included strategic planning, market research, and data analysis to improve the overall patient experience. Zac grew up around the family business and learned firsthand from an early age the value that home-based health care provides to patients. He is a steadfast advocate for the instrumental and increasing role that home health and home care providers play in the post acute care continuum. Zac's background and experience extends across the health care industry. He led a dental practice in Atlanta through rapid growth and expansion as the Chief Operating Officer. As part of PwC's Healthcare Consulting Group, Zac drove lasting results for a variety of clients that included pharmaceuticals, insurance, and health systems. Zac graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Davidson College. He earned his Juris Doctor degree and a Masters of Healthcare Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is an active member of the North Carolina Bar, North Carolina Bar Association, and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). Zac enjoys college sports (Go Wildcats and Tar Heels!), staying active, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends.

With decades of experience in the industry, Gwen Whitley leads 380 employees at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. Among her many responsibilities as CEO, she shapes the agency's vision, mission, values, and strategies, as well as policies. Gwen has dedicated 30 years of her career to improving access to health care and services to area residents, primarily in their homes. Her leadership led to the establishment of outpatient palliative care clinics in the region. She also spearheaded Lower Cape Fear LifeCare's dementia program for New Hanover County residents. The organization is also extending services out to other counties.

Susan Benoit has 14 years of healthcare experience, which includes the management of home health, hospice, palliative care, and personal care services. In 2008, She started her healthcare career in home health, and today serves as the President of Centerwell Home Health.

Currently, Mike is the VP and COO of VIA Health Partners, an independent, non-profit healthcare provider with more than $110M in revenue. He is responsible for the delivery of compassionate end-of-life care to more than 3,000 palliative medicine and hospice patients daily across North Carolina and South Carolina. Named COO in 2013, Mike has led sustained operational profitability year-over-year, resulting in VIA consistently outperforming state and national industry benchmarks and solidifying its rank among the top hospices nationally.

Mike implemented and currently serves on NHPCO’s Pharmacy Steering Committee for industry experts to analyze therapies and discuss compatibility with hospice benefits. He is a director on the board of the Association of Home and Hospice Care of North Carolina (AHHC of NC) and a member of its government affairs subcommittee. Mike also is the Board Chair of North Carolina MedAssist, a statewide pharmacy program providing life-saving medication to under and uninsured North Carolinians. Additionally, Mike served as a preceptor for University of North Carolina pharmacy students.

I have been a nurse for 21 years practicing in multiple healthcare settings. I have been in post-acute for 15 years serving in various roles from the bedside to operational and clinical leadership. I pride myself on my innovative approach to healthcare and my endless pursuits of patient excellence, minimizing the healthcare spend, and reduction of operational inefficiencies. I have the pleasure of working for a large comprehensive care organization that provides high-quality care for 900,000+ patients across the post-acute environment.   I strive to integrate patient care providing the best experience and clinical outcomes for all stakeholders. I work with large hospital systems, ACOs, local and national healthcare partnerships, and technology-based companies to develop best practices. I have developed and implemented national value-based initiatives both clinical and operational.   My work allows me to collaborate with industry leaders in Home Health, Homecare, Hospice, primary care, private duty, pharmacy, and outpatient therapy. My experiences provide me with a unique perspective on the healthcare continuum and I would like to help expand integrated care for all patients of NC.   I have attended many AHHC conferences but have never had the pleasure of serving as a committee member or board member. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to increase my knowledge of the healthcare world and take my new learnings back to the patient. I want to make a difference in tomorrow’s healthcare. 

Millicent’s life’s work is to encourage others to discover and live their cause and purpose. She is guided by three key pillars: passion, excellence, and integrity. This is demonstrated daily through her commitment to innovation, inspiration, and integrity as she sets a standard for lifelong learning and advancing professional competence and organization-wide high performance within healthcare. Millicent holds a doctorate degree and two masters degrees. She has an advanced certification in Business and Marketing Education and is certified by both the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) with the designations of Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). As a published author on adult learning and organizational improvement, she leverages data and resources to ensure that the entire workforce is committed to high performance and long-term strategic growth, innovation, and stewardship so that excellence in care always occurs. Millicent has served as Four Seasons’ President and Chief Executive Officer since 2017. Before accepting this role, Millicent served as Four Seasons’ Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer for Palliative Care and Home Care, and Vice President of Employee & Volunteer Solutions. For nearly twenty years, she has been a leader in non-profit serious illness healthcare, business operations, strategic marketing, and higher education industries. Additionally, she serves as a human resources coach and executive coach through Teleios Collaborative Network and Teleios University.

 Laura Elmore serves as Area Vice President for Gentiva Hospice. With a twenty year career in home care, home health and hospice, she is uniquely positioned to serve on the Association for Home and Hospice Care board of directors. Prior experience includes Home Care with Bayada, Home Health with Gentiva and Kindred and Hospice with Kindred, Amorem and now Gentiva. Laura has served on the Association’s public relations committee and is an active advocate for legislative initiatives.

Five years ago my wife, Mary Ellen, and I took over an agency that was in literally a storage shed, with just one client and one caregiver, and have turned it into a home care practice that has served hundreds of clients in the Greater Charlotte area, including York and Lancaster Counties in South Carolina. While my wife has spent over twenty years in the healthcare industry, this was all new to me. My career started in the military and then I spent over 20 years as an executive in two Fortune 100 companies leading service teams of over 300 people in each. In one organization I was responsible for client retention of over $250 million in annual revenues. In another I led the turnaround of client satisfaction scores (NPS) from - 40 to + 60 within a two-year period. Our home care practice stands for quality care and exceptional value. Our employees are treated with respect, have a good compensation package, and have support for progression in their careers. In a short period of time, we have achieved the following: 95% Client Satisfaction Rating over the past 41/2 years; A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau; Best Places to Work in 2019 and 2021 through the Charlotte Business Journal; Fast Fifty from the Charlotte Business Journal; and Best Home Care Agency from the readers of the Charlotte Observer. We will always work hard for our clients and always do more for our employees. It is who we are, and it is our mission. As a Veteran I enjoy supporting Veteran events, and I enjoy getting outside and hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, and anything else I am blessed to be able to do.

Tina has been a home care agency provider owner since 1998. She was previously an AHHC Board member for two terms that ended in 2020. Tina has served on the Public Relations Committee and co-chair for the past 10 years. Tina is very involved with AHHC and other community partners such as the Alzheimer's Association fundraiser. Tina has contributed to CAREPAC as well as the Advocacy Fund. She has taken both an elected representative as well as a member of the media on home visits. She has attended AHHC Legislative Days.

Christina has been  a nurse for over 23 years, serving for most of those years in the home health setting to include case management, marketing, education, and administrative roles. She has also had the opportunity to work in an acute care hospital as a director of clinical services for med-surg and ICU. Christina currently serves as the Chief Nursing Office for CarePartners in Asheville, NC and leads their home care and hospice agencies, but also their Inpatient Rehab Facility, Long Term Acute Care Hospital, PACE program, CAP-DA and Private Duty services.

Ken Helmuth, owner of Right at Home of the Triangle, has worked in numerous Professional Healthcare capacities over the past 23 years. "I’ve personally seen the emotional and physical toll on relatives and friends after years of caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, cancer or permanent disabilities. My passion for serving others; clients, their families and caregivers, as well as the community; led me to pursue the Right at Home office in Durham and Chapel Hill" in February of 2014. Before acquiring the Right At Home of Durham & Chapel Hill business, Ken had provided innovative leadership directing a variety of sales programs, commercial teams, contract negotiations and training programs within the healthcare industry for over 20 years. Ken is fully committed to making a difference in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill community by employing and developing high-performing caregivers to care for the Right at Home clients. He continually works to expand his knowledge to better serve the clients and families in the Triangle. In August of 2020, the parent company of Right at Home of Durham & Chapel Hill, KAH Care, LLC acquired Right at Home of Wake County, Right at Home of Johnston County and Right at Home of Sandhills. All together, Right at Home of the Triangle now serves the following 10 counties: Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Franklin, Harnett and Person. Ken and his wife Julie moved to the Triangle in 2010 for a promotion and new position with a Durham based medical device company. He and Julie were married in 2012 and they currently reside in Brier Creek. If Ken is not working to support the Right at Home team to provide the very best Home Care in the Triangle, he enjoys spending time with his wife Julie, traveling and playing as much golf as possible. Ken and Julie also enjoy their dog Oskar who often serves as the company mascot.

Susan Jackson is the Chief People Officer at Well Care Health and a member of the organization's Senior Leadership Team. She’s a valued advisor for the Home Health, Home Care, and Hospice divisions. Susan has experience spanning operations, strategy development, and HR leadership. An accomplished healthcare executive, Susan has expertise in building teams and fostering employee development. Serving as Well Care’s interim Chief Operating Officer and Chief People Officer (a dual role she held for 3 years), Susan led both Operations and Human Capital, and Well Care didn’t suffer any reduction in force during the pandemic. Susan’s background includes serving as Chief Experience Officer and COO at C3 HealthcareRx, Vice President, Health Delivery Redesign at BCBSNC, and Executive Director, Network Development for WakeMed. She led the WakeMed Physician Practices, consisting of 56 practices with more than 300 providers and over 550 employees. Susan served on AHHC’s Professional Development Committee. Her service to other relevant associations include: Medical Group Management Association ; NC Advanced Learning Technologies Association; HealthCare Works! Coalition; and American Society for Training and Development for Health. Susan has been an active participant in the planning and day-of activities for Well Care Health and the AHHC Legislative Day since 2019. Susan is a CAREPAC donor. Special Commissions and Relevant Affiliations include: NC Works Commission on Workforce Development, 2008 to 2019; Capital Area Workforce Development Board, Chair 2008 to 2017, Board Member 2017 to 2019; NC Community College System Foundation Board, Member 2014 – 2019; Society for Simulation in Healthcare North Carolina Board of Nursing and Foundation for Nursing Excellence.

Scott has been with Carolina Caring since 2013 in which most of his time has been spent leading in Palliative Medicine. During his tenure, he provided oversight for the agency’s participation in the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation’s Community Based Palliative Model along with Four Seasons Compassion for Life, in which over 6,000 patients were enrolled to demonstrate the value of community based palliative care. He also oversaw the agency’s involvement in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina’s “Care 360 Pilot”. During this time, Scott co-presented on several occasions with BCBS of NC leadership on the success of Carolina Caring’s patient enrollment. Scott has also played a vital role in developing innovative models of palliative medicine to include partnering with a home health agency to reduce hospital readmission rates. Successful outcomes from the partnership was presented during the Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) 2018 National Seminar’s Poster Presentation and received special recognition and was featured in The Journal of Palliative Medicine. Another innovative model that Scott has been recognized for is the success of an embedded palliative clinic in an oncology practice, in which he was asked to be a Keynote Speaker at the 2019 The Carolina’s Center Palliative Care Summit. Scott also played a vital role in starting Carolina Caring’s Cardinal Kids pediatric palliative care and House Calls home based primary care programs. Scott also is an active duty U.S. Air Force veteran and current Senior Master Sergeant in the Air Force Reserves with a combined total of 18 years of service. During his military service he has managed operations in logistics, evaluating processes for challenged departments, addressing and correcting issues with accounting, quality assurance, and overall deployment readiness. As a result of these efforts, he touts the benefits of good leadership and believes that staff development is critical to exceptional care and service. Scott currently co-chairs Carolina Caring’s Veteran Committee which oversees efforts to educate on and provide serious illness and end-of-life care for veterans. Scott is also engaged with the Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN), in which his role is subject matter specialist and Vice President of Palliative Care Operations. TCN is an organizational model that allows not-for-profit hospices and palliative care organizations to leverage best practices, achieve economies of scale and collaborate in ways that better prepare each agency to participate in emerging alternative payment models and advance their charitable missions. Scott has also been engaged in forums with the North Carolina Institute for Medicine’s Serious Illness Task Force and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovations (NPHI).

In Dineen’s current position, her job is to meet daily, face to face, with Health care providers. Hospitals, medical offices and practices, Skilled Nursing facilities, Assisted living and independent facilities.  Dineen meets with Physicians and hospitalist case managers and Social workers and all other health care partners.  Dineen also meets with the family's and patients.  She has direct communication with the Veterans Hospital and Womack Army Hospital case managers and clinic. She has been the Chairman of the Spring Lake Chamber of Commerce as well as the Secretary for the Greater Fayetteville Chamber.  She holds elected officials accountable and has taken them on home visits. She has worked in Hospice, Home Health,  DME, home infusion and  was a clinical coordinator in a therapy group. She also served as a Director for Volunteer services for Hospice.

After serving as Chief Medical Officer of Transitions LifeCare for nine years, in 2022 Laura Patel was unanimously elected to her role as CEO.  With her hands-on approach to leadership, Dr. Patel furthers the mission, vision and strategic direction of the organization during a time of unprecedented challenge in the healthcare economy. Dr. Patel is a thought leader and collaborator at the state and national level, working to advance models of care for those with serious illness.

Dr. Patel is board certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and is a certified Hospice Medical Director. In 2017, she was named AHHC’s “Physician of the Year” and one of TBJ’s “40 Under 40.” In 2019, she was named as one of AAHPM’s Emerging Leaders.  Dr. Patel is a fellow of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She served on the North Carolina IOM Taskforce on Serious Illness and is a co-chair for the clinical practice workgroup of the NC Serious Illness Coalition (NCSI).

Chris Paterson is the CEO of Carolina Complete Health. In his nearly 11 years at Centene, he also served as CEO of its Florida subsidiary, Sunshine Health, overseeing its operations from inception until it reached over one million members. He also served as Centene’s Community Affairs Officer. Prior to Centene, Chris was CEO of CareGuide, Regional President of UnitedHealth Group’s AmeriChoice Corporation, CEO of AmeriChoice’s health plan in Pennsylvania, EVP of Merit Behavioral Care Corporation and President of Tennessee Behavioral Health. Throughout his career in both public and private companies, Chris has been responsible for all aspects of operations, strategic planning, community relations and the introduction of innovative care management models and programs. He is a member of the Orange Bowl Committee, and is the past chair of the boards of the Urban League of Broward County and the Florida Association of Health Plans. After receiving undergraduate, M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from Ohio State University, Chris interned at the University of Florida and served on the faculty of the University of Miami early in his career. He and his spouse Nicole have four children.

Tina Pell has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and almost thirty years of health care experience. Over half of her nursing career has been in Hospice and Palliative care. Tina is the Regional Vice President of Cardinal Hospice Care which currently serves twenty counties between Central and Eastern North Carolina. Her previous experience includes working as a Registered Nurse Case Manager, Clinical Manager, Director of Admissions, Director of Nursing and Hospice Administrator. Tina has a passion for providing quality care. Her personal, professional goal is to ensure every eligible Hospice patient receives the care and compassion he/she deserves. She has been recognized as a compassionate and dedicated leader who has successfully achieved and exceeded both quality and financial goals. Tina is thrilled to be part of AHHC having a more global impact on Hospice and Palliative care services. Tina and Jeff, her husband of thirty years, have lived in six states throughout their marriage. They are the proud parents of three grown children and are living happily ever after in Wendell, NC.”

Tim has 30 years of experience working in the home care, home health & hospice industry and/or AHHC of NC. He received his B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Prior to home care & hospice, Tim worked for 9 years with the State Employees Association of NC and NC Bankers Association in member relations and as a lobbyist. His home care, home health & hospice experience is extensive, having worked as the first Director of Government Relations and Chief Lobbyist for the Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina, Vice President of Government Relations for Comprehensive Home Health Care and Hospice (now Liberty), Director of Regulatory Affairs and Strategic Planning for Tar Heel Home Health and Hospice of Tar Heel (now Kindred at Home/Gentiva), and finally as President and Chief Executive Officer for the Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina (since 2001).He holds numerous leadership roles and/or sits on numerous boards/commissions: State Health Coordinating Council (Home Health & Hospice Representative - appointed by Governor Roy Cooper); Past Chairman/Exec. Comm. - The Council of State Home Care & Hospice Associations; Member, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and NHPCO’s Council of States; Member, NHPCO’s Legislative Affairs Committee; Member-NAHC’s Forum of State Associations (Past Chair) and current Board member; Sole State Association Executive on the NAHC Home Health and Hospice Financial Managers (HHFMA) Workgroup; Governor-Appointed Home Care, Home Health and Hospice Representative South Carolina CON Task Force; South Carolina DSS Advisory Board Member; Past Board Member of NAHC. Tim is also a past Public Member of the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. Tim is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Nick Seabrook helps SimiTree promote excellence to home health and hospice organizations. As the Managing Principal at SimiTree responsible for the oversight of the Consulting division, he helps over 250 employees serve 500 active clients to make SimiTree the largest consulting company in home health and hospice with consultative outsourcing and talent solutions. Nick is also a Member of Homecare & Hospice Association of New Jersey’s Board of Directors where he serves as the Treasurer. He has presented at numerous state and national conferences and his participation in these and many other industry forums and events over the past 20 plus years has garnered recognition as a leading authority on solutions to the latest operational, clinical and regulatory challenges. Nick’s operations expertise has helped agencies improve profitability and reimbursement through revenue cycle consulting focused on improving daily operations. He graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting

Carolyn Stewart graduated from UNCG with a BSN in 1978. For the past 40 years she has worked continuously as an RN in various Nursing disciplines. In 2003, following several years working for various Home Care Agencies , Carolyn started her own business in New Bern NC. They provide In-Home aide services to the community and a number of the surrounding counties. Her agency works closely with many of their local DSS agencies, physician offices and the Area Council on Aging.

Lisa has more than 15 years of experience in Home Care and Hospice including her current role as Senior Director of Duke Home Care and Hospice. Other positions held include: Home Care Field Surveyor for the Joint Commission, Independent Hospice Consultant with Weatherbee Associates, Director of Operations, and Director of Quality & Compliance Officer.  She has been a member of HPNA for the past nine years during which she obtained a Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing. She is an advocate for healthcare to be provided in the comfort of patients' homes and wants to increase the public’s knowledge of the services and benefits of this very specialized service.  Lisa believes to care for the sick is a gift; to care for the dying is a blessing. To infuse hope and health among patients and their families is a privilege. To do these things in the privacy of the patient’s home is sacred.

Joan Murphy Williams, BS/MBA, is currently serving as the Senior Director of Information Systems and Technology for 3HC in Goldsboro, NC. With nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, Joan has led teams in technology, human resources, operations, finance, quality/compliance, billing, and medical records. When starting in post-acute, Joan did not anticipate the passion that she would develop for home health, hospice, home care, and palliative. This passion has pushed her to become an advocate for our services through active roles in both state and national associations as well as various CMS taskforces/interoperability projects. Joan has served on numerous AHHC of NC committees as well as BOD. She has been honored with several awards, but most coveted was Administrator of the year with AHHC. She loves spending time with her growing family, especially at her favorite place on Earth, Topsail Island.

Kristen Wither Yntema is the President and CEO of AuthoraCare Collective formerly Hospice & Palliative Care Center of Alamance-Caswell and Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, one of the largest nonprofit hospice and palliative care organizations in central North Carolina. Yntema is a proven leader in the health care field.  Previously, she has held roles as Vice President of Regional Development and Innovation at Advanced Home Care and as Executive Director of the Health Services division at Cone Health. Kristen started her career in Greensboro as an Administrative Fellow with Cone Health. In 2011, Kristen was named one of Triad Business Journal’s 40 Leaders Under 40 and in 2016 Outstanding Women in Business. In 2019, she was recognized and honored by the Triad Business Journal as being named one of the Most Admired CEOs of the Triad area for her outstanding performance in her role as a community leader.  Kristen currently serves on the National Hospice and Palliative Care Board, as the Vice Chair Cone Health Foundation Board, and on the Youth Council Committee for Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Yntema earned her Masters of Health Services Administration and her Masters of Business Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She attained her bachelor’s degree from Elon University.