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2025 East Coast Healthcare Summit
The East Coast Healthcare Summit brings together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore the future of healthcare in Southeastern North Carolina and beyond. With a focus on Innovation & Technology, Healthcare Policy & Access, Workforce Development, and Public Health & Regional Growth, the summit aims to position SENC as a key driver of both regional and national healthcare advancement.
7:30 – 8:30 AM | Breakfast
Networking breakfast at Hotel Ballast to connect with peers and set the stage for the day.
8:30 AM | Welcome Remarks
Dr. Joe Pino of SEAHEC opens the summit with a vision for healthcare advancement.
8:40 – 9:45 AM | Employer-Led Collaboration & Growing the SENC Healthcare Workforce
Local education and workforce leaders discuss strategies to expand healthcare talent pipelines and align training with industry needs.
Featured Speakers:- Dr. Steven Hill — VP, Talent Pipeline Development, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce & SEAHEC
- Dr. Jack Watson II, Ph.D. — Dean, College of Health and Human Services, UNC Wilmington
- Dr. Mary E. Naylor — Dean of Health Sciences, Cape Fear Community College
- Mandy Mills — Director, Career & Technical Education, New Hanover County Schools
Moderated by:- Brooke Nigro — Project Director, New Hanover Healthcare Career Partnership
9:45 – 10:00 AM | Break
A short networking break to refresh and prepare for the policy sessions.
10:00 – 10:30 AM | Federal Policy Impact on Healthcare & Economic Outlook for North Carolina
Senator Thom Tillis shares insights on federal healthcare policy and its implications for North Carolina’s economy.
Confirmed Video Presentation:- U.S. Senator Thom Tillis
10:30 – 11:30 AM | State & Federal Policy Impacts on Healthcare Delivery
Policy experts examine how shifting regulations affect access, delivery, and operations across North Carolina’s healthcare systems.
Confirmed Speakers:- Ted Goins — Former Board Chair, North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association
- James Tucker — Director of Government Relations & Legislative Counsel, North Carolina Healthcare Association
Moderated by:- Jonathan Campbell - Health Director, New Hanover County
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Innovation in Action
Healthcare executives highlight innovative strategies shaping the future of the healthcare landscape and the role of AI in transforming care delivery and patient outcomes.
Confirmed Speakers:- Jeff James — CEO, Wilmington Health
- Laurie Whalin, PharmD — President, Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center & Acute Care Operations for the Coastal Region, Novant Health
- Lynda Stanley, FACHE — President & CEO, Dosher Memorial Hospital
Moderated by:- Rob Kaiser – Publisher, Greater Wilmington Business Journal
12:30 – 1:00 PM | Buffet Lunch
Enjoy a buffet lunch while networking with industry colleagues and leaders.
1:00 – 2:00 PM | AI in Healthcare Presentation
Local and National experts explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping clinical decision-making, operational efficiency, and patient care.
Confirmed Speakers:- Dr. Kevin Wang — Chief Medical Officer, Suki
- Dr. Morris Nguyen — Founder & CEO, Predicate Labs
Moderated by:- Dr. Umar Bowers — Medical Director, Dawson Med Primary Care and Urgent Care
2:00 – 2:15 PM | Closing Remarks- Natalie English, President & CEO, Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce
Tickets & Sponsorships
Tickets for Chamber members are $125, and nonmembers are $135.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Megan Mullins at mullins@wilmingtonchamber.org.
Who You’ll Meet
The Summit brings together a diverse group of leaders and professionals shaping the future of healthcare, including:
- Healthcare Executives & Administrators
- Medical & Clinical Professionals
- Policy & Government Leaders
- Educators & Workforce Developers
- Innovators & Entrepreneurs
- Public Health Advocates
Suggested Attire
Business Casual – Comfortable yet professional attire is recommended.
Menu
Breakfast and Lunch are included in the cost of registration.
Parking
Details including designated lots and accessibility options will be shared closer to the event.
Event Sponsors
2025 East Coast Healthcare SummitDate and Time
Tuesday Oct 28, 2025
7:30 AM - 2:15 PM EDTLocation
Hotel Ballast Wilmington
Tapestry Collection by Hilton
301 N Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401Contact Information
Madeline Eckel
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