Haywood Regional Medical Center announces new chief executive officer, market president

Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC), a Duke LifePoint facility, announced today the appointment of Sue Shugart as chief executive officer, effective May 26. Shugart will also serve as market president for HRMC, Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, and Swain Community Hospital in Bryson City, leading strategic alignment across the three facilities in collaboration with Ashley Hindman, CEO of Harris and Swain.

Shugart brings more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience to her new role. She most recently served as CEO of Rutherford Regional Health System, another Duke LifePoint facility located in Rutherfordton, NC. There, she led several strategic initiatives focused on improving care delivery, expanding physician services, and strengthening the overall patient experience.

While at Rutherford Regional, she also collaborated with HRMC and other regional hospitals during Lifepoint Health’s coordinated response to Hurricane Helene, which impacted several facilities across western North Carolina. Her involvement in that effort further strengthened her familiarity with the region, its hospital teams, and communities.

“We are excited to welcome Sue to Haywood Regional and the broader western North Carolina market,” said Elmer Polite, eastern division president for Lifepoint Health. “Her deep operational expertise, collaborative leadership style and strong commitment to community make her an excellent fit for this role. Sue has already built meaningful connections across the region, and we are confident she will continue to build on the strengths of our hospitals and teams.”

Prior to joining Rutherford Regional, Shugart served as CEO of MUSC Health Kershaw Medical Center in Camden, South Carolina, where she led several key initiatives focused on improving care delivery and expanding access to care.

Shugart is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a certified professional in patient safety.

“I am honored to join HRMC and to serve the broader Haywood, Harris, and Swain market in this new capacity,” Shugart said. “This region is filled with talented, mission-driven teams who care deeply about their communities. I look forward to working alongside them to strengthen access, advance quality, and ensure excellent care for the people we serve.”

Shugart succeeds Chris Brown, RN, who will remain in his role through early May to support a smooth leadership transition.