Earlier this year, Laurie Whalin was promoted to run Novant’s hospitals in Southeastern North Carolina.

Whalin, who first joined New Hanover Regional Medical Center in 2009, rose through the ranks at the then-county-owned hospital – from pharmacy clinical manager to the director of pharmacy to vice president of clinical support services. In 2021, she became president and chief operating officer of Novant Health Brunswick Medical Center after NHRMC was sold to Novant Health. The following year, she was named chief operating officer of Novant NHRMC and president of Novant Health’s future community hospital in the Scotts Hill area.

Now, she is the system’s president of acute care operations and NHRMC for the Novant Health Coastal Region.

Whalin talks about the latest step in her career and leadership lessons learned along the way.
 

When did you start in your new role with Novant Health, and what does it involve?

“I began my new role with Novant Health in February 2025.

As part of the regional leadership team, I am responsible for overseeing all hospitals and acute care operations across (Novant’s) Coastal Region, which includes New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties.

In this role, I provide strategic direction and operational leadership to ensure high-quality, patient-centered care, drive performance excellence and support workforce development initiatives that align with Novant Health’s work to improve the health of the communities we serve.”
 

How is it different than your previous work with the local health system?

“While it is not an extreme departure from my previous role, this new position marks an important pivot. Transitioning from serving as president of Scotts Hill to also leading New Hanover Regional Medical Center expands my scope significantly. In this role, I now work directly with community hospital presidents across the region to ensure we are meeting the needs of our patients closer to where they live.

It’s a broader, more strategic focus on regional alignment, operational excellence and community-centered care across all hospitals in the Coastal Region.”

What is previous Novant Health NHRMC President Ernie Bovio’s new role and how do the two of you work together now with the changes?

“Ernie Bovio continues to serve as president of the Coastal Region. His role has evolved, and his dedicated focus is now on regional growth, strategy and market development. I often say Ernie and I are the ‘dynamic duo.’

We have a strong, collaborative partnership and work closely together to lead the Coastal Region. Our shared focus is ensuring we meet the needs of our community, team members and physicians, while driving both operational excellence and strategic growth across the region.”
 

You have been heavily involved in the building of the new Scotts Hill hospital. Are you still leading that project? 

“Yes, I am still leading the development of the Scotts Hill hospital. As the project moves closer to completion, we plan to hire a dedicated president to oversee day-to-day operations at the facility, who will report directly to me. We anticipate filling that leadership role within the next six months to ensure a smooth transition and strong operational foundation.”
 

What are your other focuses and goals this year? 

“We have the unique privilege of being the health system for our community – caring for our family, friends, neighbors and one another – and I take that responsibility very seriously. This year, we are focused on ensuring exceptional quality of care, an outstanding patient experience and expanding access to health care services in locations that are convenient for our growing population.

Additionally, as the largest employer in the county, we recognize the importance of supporting our team members and physicians. Taking care of our people so they can take care of our patients is my top priority. Creating a thriving, supportive environment for both our patients and our teams remains at the heart of everything we do.”
 

 How would you describe your leadership style? 

“My leadership style is deeply rooted in building and supporting high-performing teams, which I believe is the true key to success.

My overarching philosophy is simple: I build high-performing teams that change the world.

I am proud to say that we have exactly that kind of team at New Hanover Regional Medical Center and throughout the Coastal Region. Together, we are driven by a shared purpose and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.”
 

 What things have you picked up in your career that have helped shape your leadership style?   

“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that empowerment breeds confidence. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the power of tapping into each individual’s unique strengths and giving them the space and trust to lead in their own way. By fostering an environment where people feel supported and valued, we unlock their full potential and maximize their impact – not just within the organization, but within the community we serve.”

This Q&A with Laurie Whalin appeared in the summer issue of WilmingtonBiz Magazine’s sister publication WILMA.