The Greater Wilmington Business Journal's Health Care Heroes Awards honors individuals and organizations that are making an impact on the quality of health care in Wilmington.
Whether they are companies, doctors, nurses, specialists or managers, join us in recognizing those who embody the word “hero” and prove their excellence in helping others.
The finalists will be profiled in the special Health Care Heroes section of the Business Journal and the winners will be announced at an awards event on November 12 at UNCW's Burney Center.
EVENT DETAILS:
Thursday, November 12, 2026
5-9pm
UNCW's Burney Center
5-6pm - Cocktail Hour
6-9pm - Awards Dinner + Celebration
Meet the 2026 Health Care Heroes Finalists:
Lifetime Achievement:
Honors an individual for achievements throughout his or her career. Judges will consider the individual's professional accomplishments, impact on the community and assistance they gave to others.
- Margaret Weller-Stargell, President & CEO, Coastal Horizons
Community Achievement:
Honors an individual or team who successfully implemented a program addressing a problem in health care administration, delivery or community outreach. Judges will consider its uniqueness, cost-effectiveness and impact on the community.
- Lauren Haigler, RN, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
- Leneice Rice, Program Manager, Coastal Community Healthcare Fellowship, CFCC/UNCW
- Child First Team, Coastal Horizons
Health Care Executive:
Honors an individual whose job performance is considered exemplary by people within their organizations, peers and community members. Judges will consider their impact on their organization and the community and relevant testimonials.
- David Holmes, Vice President of Business Development, Liberty Health
- Kelsey Mills, Laboratory Business Operations Manager, Wilmington Health
- Laurie Whalin, President, Novant Health Coastal Region
Innovation in Health Care:
Honors an individual or team behind a new scientific discovery, procedure, treatment or device that can save lives or improve the quality of life for a large number of people. Judges will consider the current and potential impact of the innovation.
- Alex McDaniel & Lindsey Schroeder, Co-Founders, NSAT Systems & Associate Professors, UNCW
- Charity Moorhous, Veterinary Social Worker, Eastern Carolina Veterinary Medical Center
- Chris & Jody Sepich, Co-Founders, Your HCPOA
Nurse Practitioner / Physician Assistant:
Honors a nurse practitioner or physician assistant whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other health care providers.
- Cameryn Duni, PA-C, Wilmington Health
- Hanes Mintz, Physician Assistant, Novant Heart & Vascular Institute
- Clay Quinn, PA-C, Coastal Horizons
Nurse:
Honors a nurse whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other health care providers. Judges will consider evidence of positive clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and relevant testimonials.
- Savannah Crib, BSN, RN, Novant Health
- Ulrica Stinson, Women's Health Nurse Lead, MedNorth
- Michael Wahoff, RN, Novant Health NHRMC Emergency Department
Physician:
Honors a physician whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, peers and other health care providers. Judges will consider evidence of positive clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and relevant testimonials.
- Andre Leonard, Physician/Medical Director, Intracoastal Internal Medicine/Cape Fear HealthNet
- Bryan Lotici, Physician, Wilmington Health
- Roc McCarthy, Advanced Urology-Center for Robotic Surgery, Columbus Regional Medical Center
Unsung Hero:
Honors anyone working in health care who may not fit into the categories listed above. This includes first responders, physical therapists, dental professionals, chiropractors, certified nursing aides, mental health professionals, researchers, administrators and others whose performance is considered exemplary by patients, colleagues and other health care providers. Judges will consider evidence of positive clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and relevant testimonials.
- Miles Davidson, Patient Ambassador-Food & Nutrition, Novant Health NHRMC
- Brooke Mansfield, Physical Therapist Assistant, Well Care Health
- Sandra Robinson, Guest Services II, Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center
Volunteer:
Honors a volunteer at a health care provider or other health-related organization who is considered exemplary by people within those organizations. Judges will consider their impact on health care delivery and how their involvement has made a significant difference.
- Mike Hamby, Hopsice Veteran Volunteer, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
- Linda Masters, Volunteer, Novant Health Scotts Hill Medical Center
- Jeffrey Tanaka, Volunteer, Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
Anyone who works or volunteers with health care in New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and Columbus counties is eligible for the awards.
Nominations come from patients, peers, co-workers or anyone else who knows a worthy nominee. A panel of independent health care professionals will select three finalists and one winner for each category.
Interested in being a Health Care Heroes sponsor? Contact [email protected]
Have questions regarding the Health Care Heroes Awards event or nomination process? Contact [email protected]
