Last updated on December 25, 2024 at 10:35 am
Boone, North Carolina – December 14, 2024 – UNC Health Appalachian has named Nathan Nipper its new president and CEO.
Nipper, who has served as Boone Health System’s chief operating officer since 2022, will succeed Chuck Mantooth, who announced last summer that he would retire at the end of 2024.
A search committee was formed last summer to determine Mantooth’s successor. The committee conducted a comprehensive search to find a leader who will build on Mantooth’s legacy and guide UNC Health Appalachian into the future.
“Nathan is a talented and passionate leader who will continue UNC Health Appalachian’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of all patients in northwestern North Carolina and beyond,” said Jim Deal, Chairman of the UNC Health Appalachian Board of Trustees. “Nathan is committed to our community and this organization.”
“Nathan knows how to build strong relationships between his teammates and physicians and recognizes the value of UNC Health Appalachian culture,” said Tammy Scarborough, UNC Health chief administrative officer and head of statewide region, affiliations and integration. “He is passionate about serving the community and providing the highest levels of care in the area.”
Nipper, 53, will assume the role of president and CEO effective Jan. 1, 2025. He will oversee a system of more than 1,500 teammates anchored by Watauga Medical Center in Boone and Charles A. Roberts Hospital. Cannon Junior Memorial in Linville, and other facilities and clinics. Watauga Medical Center was recently honored with another top grade of “A” for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group and as one of the Best Hospitals for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report. Likewise, Canon consistently receives high marks for safety and patient satisfaction.
“I am proud of the amazing care my teammates at UNC Health Appalachian provide every day to our patients,” Nipper said. “I look forward to leading this outstanding organization and exploring new ways to serve our region.”
Nipper joined UNC Health Appalachian in December 2022 and has served as a health leader for nearly three decades. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and his MBA and master’s in health administration from Georgia State University. Nipper also completed an administrative residency at Floyd Medical Center in Rome, Georgia.
About UNC Health
UNC Health It is a government entity and an institution of the University of North Carolina System, consisting of approximately 20 hospitals and more than 900 clinics along with clinical patient care programs at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to advance the educational mission of UNC SOM. UNC Health has provided more than $800 million in uncompensated charity care over the past five years. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality of care, patient safety and overall patient experience.
