Six employees have completed the 2025 Chris A. Lumsden Leadership Academy at Northern Regional Hospital in Mount Airy, North Carolina. The graduates are Kayla Edwards, Diana Garcia, Gretchan Hawks, Jennifer Love, Sarah Noethlich, and Vanessa Vaught.
The program was renamed in honor of former President & CEO Chris A. Lumsden, who established it in 2020 to highlight the importance of “people, purpose, and passion” as key values for leadership. The academy runs for six months and is designed to develop leadership skills among staff members who volunteer to participate.
“The Leadership Academy empowers participants to explore their potential, strengthen their skills, and lead with passion and purpose. We are proud of this year’s graduates and look forward to seeing their continued contributions to our hospital and community,” said Robin H. Hodgin, Interim President & CEO at Northern Regional Hospital.
Participants in the academy attend weekly classes on leadership topics, shadow executive team members, keep reflective journals, and present a final case study aimed at addressing a need or improving services at the hospital. Each participant is matched with a senior-level mentor and encouraged to step outside their comfort zone while working collaboratively toward organizational goals.
This year’s program was facilitated by Rylee Giles (Manager of Marketing and Community Relations), Sabrena Hemric (Manager of Hospitalists), and Keith Moser (Director of Physician Practice Operations). Facilitators supported participants through activities such as hospital tours, leadership meetings, and project-based learning experiences.
The graduates ended the program by presenting case studies that proposed ways to advance quality care and build community trust in line with Northern Regional Hospital’s mission. Since its start in 2020, the Leadership Academy has graduated 44 employees from Northern Regional Hospital. Many alumni have taken on greater responsibilities within the organization.
