Lower Cape Fear Hospice (LFCH), one of the largest nonprofit hospice and palliative care organizations in North and South Carolina, has named Gwen Whitley as its new chief executive officer.
 
Whitley was selected by LCFH’s Board of Directors after years of succession planning and evaluating. She succeeds Laurie Bystrom, who recently announced her retirement after 18 years with the organization.
 
“Lower Cape Fear Hospice serves up to 700 patients and families a day in seven different counties throughout North and South Carolina thanks to leaders like Laurie Bystrom and Gwen Whitley who understand the difficult challenges of those facing an advanced illness,” said Charles Long of the LCFH board in a news release.
 
“Gwen brings proven, deep and varied experience and a strong record of leadership and accomplishment in home health and individualized care that offers compassion, dignity and comfort to this position. She is an exceptional and effective leader who is committed to LCFH’s strategic direction and will add to our momentum as a mission-driven charity.”
 
A 34-year health care professional, Whitley most recently served LCFH as chief operating officer and has been with the organization since 2008. Prior to taking on the COO position she served as clinical director of patient services and vice president of clinical operations.
 
She is a member of the Association of Hospice and Home Care (AHHC) Board of Directors and currently serves as vice chair. She previously was with Interim Healthcare in Wilmington for 12 years, serving as vice president of programs and services and Wilmington regional manager.