TROY, N.C.—FirstHealth of the Carolinas has announced the retirement of Rebecca Carter, MSN, R.N., FACHE, president of the western region and administrator of Montgomery Memorial Hospital, effective March 31, 2025.
Since joining FirstHealth in 2019, Carter has led Montgomery Memorial Hospital through a period of significant transformation. She played a key role in navigating the hospital through the challenges of COVID-19 while strengthening services and enhancing patient, employee and provider satisfaction.
Under her leadership, the hospital received the 2023 Press Ganey HX Guardian of Excellence Award®, placing in the top 5% of health care providers in physician engagement.
Carter’s tenure also saw Montgomery Memorial care for more patients, participate in community vaccination efforts during COVID-19 and achieve recognition for high-quality patient care. She also secured support to move forward with a new hospital facility.
Carter brought a wealth of experience from her career in health care to FirstHealth. Prior to joining Montgomery Memorial, she served as chief executive officer and chief nursing officer for Blue Ridge Regional Hospital for five years. She also served for 17 years as chief operating officer and chief nursing officer for Transylvania Regional Hospital, a rural acute care facility in Brevard, N.C.
She previously served as director of clinical education, support and development at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville for eight years. Carter’s career also includes experience working as a staff nurse and in nursing education.
Carter holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was inducted in the American College of Healthcare Executives in 2005, and was named to Becker’s Healthcare 70 CEOs, presidents and administrators of critical access hospitals to know.
“Becky’s leadership will have a lasting impact on Montgomery Memorial Hospital and the communities we serve,” said Jonathan Davis, MPH, FACHE, FirstHealth chief operating officer and president of Moore Regional Hospital. “She has positioned the hospital for continued success, and we are grateful for her many contributions.”
FirstHealth will provide updates on plans for leadership transitions as decisions are finalized.
