Leadership Team

Dr. Jessie L. Tucker III, FACHE

President & CEO

Dr. Jessie L. Tucker III, FACHE joined the UNC Health Wayne team as President & CEO in 2020. A retired Army Lieutenant Colonel that progressed from the rank of private over 24 years of military service, Dr. Tucker then led hospitals in Texas, New Jersey and Tennessee over the next 12 years before joining the team at UNC Health Wayne. He is a gubernatorial appointee to the NC State Health Coordinating Council, serves as a member of the Policy Development Committee and Chairman of the Eastern Regional Policy Council for the NC Healthcare Association, and is a Board member and Chair of the Quality Improvement and Safety Committee for the NC Healthcare Foundation.

During Dr. Tucker’s tenure as President & CEO, the UNC Health Wayne team has earned several historical firsts: a CMS 4-star quality rating, the highest score and number of consecutive Leapfrog “A” patient safety grades, stroke center as well as total hip & knee certification, chest pain center accreditation, best maternity hospital designation and the most physicians recruited in a 12-month period. Inpatient, outpatient and surgical services have grown through improved access, additional telemedicine specialties, the purchase of a second surgical robot and the highest ED, surgery, and outpatient satisfaction scores of the past decade.

Dr. Tucker and his wife of over 34 years, Dr. Patricia E. Kennedy-Tucker, live in Goldsboro and they have two children.

William Thoma, MBA, CPA

Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Bill Thoma joined UNC Health Wayne in 2018, bringing decades of financial leadership experience with expertise in accounting, reimbursement and audit in both health care and insurance. Bill provides technical and managerial support to the UNC Health Wayne executive team and Board of Directors, promoting and maintaining strong financial controls and monitoring the supporting execution of strategic goals.

A Certified Public Accountant, Bill previously served as Vice President of Finance at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pocono, Pennsylvania. He holds an MBA from DeSales University in Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Rowan University in New Jersey.

Brian Fillipo, MD, MMM, FACP

Vice President, Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Brian Fillipo joined the UNC Health Wayne team in 2020, with over 25 years in executive leadership. Responsible for advancing the Mission through relationships with providers and ensuring a collaborative approach to quality, safety and strategic imperatives, Dr. Fillipo has a strong track record of improvements in length of stay, infections, falls, readmissions and other key quality indicators. He also maintains executive responsibility for medical staff affairs, care coordination, quality, safety, performance improvement and graduate medical education.

He has his medical degree from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, where he also completed his residency in internal medicine. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Association for Physician Leadership.

Howard Whitfield, OTR/L, MHA

Chief Operating Officer

Part of the UNC Health Wayne team for over 19 years, Howard Whitfield assumed the role of Vice President, Clinical Operations in 2020, overseeing imaging, pharmacy, wound care, laboratory services and cardiopulmonary services.

Beginning his career as an Occupational Therapist, Howard has risen through the ranks, leading enhancements in the quality of clinical services at Wayne UNC. Howard has a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from East Carolina University and a Masters in Health Care Administration from Pfeiffer University.

Katie Hile, DNP, RN

Interim Chief Nursing Officer

Previously serving as our executive nursing director, Katie brings over 18 years of nursing experience, including 14 years of progressive leadership in emergency care, critical care, and acute care services. She joins us from Inova Fair Oaks Hospital in Virginia, where she led multiple clinical units and drove significant improvements in patient care, team engagement, and safety outcomes. Katie is passionate about building strong teams, supporting professional development, and enhancing the patient experience. Her leadership has been instrumental in achieving national recognition for nursing excellence and innovation.

Doug Harrison, MSA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CPC

Vice President, Human Resources

Doug Harrison joined the UNC Health Wayne team in December 2022. With over 29 years of proven success in Human Resources, Doug has extensive experience in engaging teammates and cultivating a culture of inclusivity and excellence. Doug earned a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelors of Arts in Human Resource Administration. Additionally, Doug holds a Senior Certified Professional HR certification from the Society of Human Resource Management and the Human Resource Certification Institute.

Board of Directors

Harold D. Brashear, Chair

Charles Branson (Branny) Vickory III, Vice Chairman

Barbara Aycock

Joseph Democko, DC

Ken Gerrard

Freeman Hardison

David Hill, MD

Samer Kasbari, MD

Dimitrios Lintzeris, DO

Chris Wise

Adrian Worrell

Jessie L. Tucker III, FACHE, CEO

Medical Staff Officers

Medical Staff President
David Hill, MD, Pediatrics

Medical Staff Vice President
Mark Hylton, MD, Anesthesiology

Medical Staff Secretary/Treasury
Justin Sargent, MD, General Surgery