Leadership Team

Tommy Williams

Chief Executive Officer

Tommy Williams served as interim CEO at UNC Health Johnston for five months before being named to the permanent position in May, 2020. Before coming aboard, he was a long-time leader at UNC REX Healthcare in Raleigh, most recently as the vice president of Ambulatory and Support Services and oversight of the construction of the community hospital in Holly Springs.

Ruth Marler

Chief Operating Officer, Chief Nursing Officer

Starting in 2008, Ruth Marler was the chief operating officer and chief nursing officer for six years at UNC Health Johnston. In 2015, she accepted the operations and nursing oversight, as well, for UNC Health Johnston Clayton. Since the opening of a three-story wing in 2015, the former outpatient center and free-standing emergency department have become a full-service hospital. She and her, husband, Jimmy live in Pine Level.

April Culver

Vice President, External Affairs

April Culver began working for UNC Health Johnston in 2001 and became a vice president in 2004. As vice president of external affairs, she is responsible for all internal and external communications and marketing activities to support UNC Health Johnston. She advocates for the health care system on the local, state and federal levels, and coordinates all planning activities for the organization. In addition, she oversees spiritual care and volunteer services, the Early Learning Center and the Johnston Health Foundation. She and her husband, Chad, and daughter, Ava, live in Smithfield.

Kyle McDermott

Vice President, Support Services

Kyle McDermott joined the organization in 1983. In his role as vice president of support services, he is responsible for construction, resource management, engineering and security as well as the contracts for food and environmental services. He is the Administrator of UNC Health Johnston Clayton, and is also active in the work of the Johnston Health Foundation, which he organized in 1992. He and his wife, Irene, live in Clayton.

Rodney McCaskill, MD

Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Rodney McCaskill is the Chief Medical Officer at UNC Health Johnston. He is a member of Wake Emergency Physicians, which provides care in the emergency departments at both campuses. Outside of the hospital, he is the assistant director of Johnston County EMS. He is a graduate of East Carolina University and the Brody School of Medicine. He completed his residency in emergency medicine at the University of North Carolina.

Kevin Cielinski

Vice President, Finance

Kevin Cielinski joined UNC Health Johnston in 2008 and has held a financial leadership position since 2011. His responsibilities include coordination of company financial planning, debt financing and budget management functions. He, his wife Erica and their three children, live in Smithfield.

Robert Cupp

Human Resources Executive

Robert Cupp is human resources executive at UNC Health Johnston. His background includes 20 years of clinical nursing practice, nursing management, and human resources management. He is a Master's prepared Registered Nurse and board certified as a Nurse Executive. In his role, he is responsible for all human resources operations and employee health. He and his wife, Elisa, live in Sims, NC.

Amy Hamby

Vice President, Clinical Operations

Amy Hamby joined UNC Health Johnston in 2006. She is a registered nurse with 35 years of experience, including 20 years of nursing leadership. She has a master’s degree in Health Administration. In her current role as associate vice president of patient care services, she is responsible for inpatient areas, critical care, labor and delivery, surgery and behavioral health. She and her two children, Logan and Abigail, live in Erwin, N.C.

UNC Health Johnston Medical Executive Committee (MEC)

• John R. Adams, M.D., President
• Hasan Baloch, M.D., Vice President
• Praneet Korrapati, M.D., MEC at Large
• Kevin Johnson, M.D., Chief of Medicine
• Manohaur R. Chintu, M.D., Vice Chief of Medicine
• Gregory A. Tayrose, M.D., Chief of Surgery
• Chase L. Campbell, M.D., Vice Chief of Surgery
• Richard Zhang, M.D., Chief of Hospital Services
• Megan Kirk, M.D., Vice Chief of Hospital Services
• James B. Collins, III, M.D.- Immediate Past President
• Kristal Keys, M.D., Chair of Credentials Committee & MEC at Large

UNC Health Johnston Medical Directors

• John Adams, M.D.- Hospitalists
• Drennan Smith, M.D.- Laboratory
• Ben Atkeson, M.D.- Cardiology
• Russell Anderson, M.D.- Oncology
• Thomas Powell, M.D.- Vascular Lab
• Megan Kirk, M.D.- Emergency Services
• Frank Sutton, M.D.- Anesthesia
• Jodi Bailey, M.D.- Women's Services
• Michael Kwong, M.D.- Radiology Services
• Mir Mumtaz Ali, M.D.- Respiratory Services
• Thomas Powell, M.D.- Cardiac Rehab
• Matthew Hook, M.D.- Cath Lab
• Rodney Lutz, M.D.- Wound Center
• Dennis Koffer, M.D.- Hospice