Since 2021, Mr. Ellington has served as president and CEO of UNC Health Southeastern, a health system that sees 13,000 inpatients and 60,000 emergency patients each year. UNC Health Southeastern is the only hospital in rural Robeson County. Under his leadership, the organization has seen significant improvements in publicly reported quality scores, including improved patient experience scores. Mr. Ellington spearheaded a $40 million investment in women’s and children’s health services, resulting in the first new labor and delivery unit with NICU in the county in decades. He also enhanced the organization’s visibility and community engagement through a media campaign and initiatives like an annual 5K health event. His tenure has stabilized financial outcomes, expanded medical education funding and strengthened community partnerships. Previously, he held senior leadership roles at Chapel Hill, N.C.-based UNC Health and Hazard, Ky.-based Appalachian Regional Healthcare.
