Event explores collaborative leadership, policy, and the partnerships needed to improve health outcomes across the state.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CARY, N.C. (July 30, 2026) – On Wednesday, July 29, fellows from the Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation (FHLI)’s Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows Program met with state officials and healthcare leaders in Raleigh to discuss the state of healthcare in North Carolina. Fellows highlighted discussions surrounding leadership, strategic partnerships, and the skills needed to drive meaningful health outcomes across North Carolina’s evolving landscape.
This two-year fellowship prepares the next generation of health advocates to address North Carolina’s most pressing health challenges through collaborative leadership, mentorship, and community-driven solutions. The all-day event recognized the fellows’ progress during the program while providing opportunities to strengthen relationships with industry leaders and gain insight into the policies, partnerships, and innovations shaping healthcare across North Carolina.
Fellows visited the Governor’s Mansion, where they met with First Lady Anna Stein to discuss leadership and public service.
“Leadership is built through collaboration, service, and a willingness to learn,” said North Carolina First Lady Anna Stein. “The Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows Program is investing in those qualities, and I am honored to spend time with this talented group of rising leaders.”
Fellows also met with Steve Keene, Executive Vice President and CEO of the North Carolina Medical Society; North Carolina Secretary of Health and Human Services Dev Sangvai; Josh Dobson, President and CEO of the North Carolina Healthcare Association; and North Carolina State Health Director and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Larry Greenblatt. Together, these leaders shared perspectives on the future of healthcare in North Carolina and the importance of collaboration in addressing the state’s most pressing health challenges.
As part of the event, FHLI also recognized Hugh Tilson for his dedicated service and leadership of the Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows Program. For the past seven years, Tilson volunteered his time to guide the program, helping shape programming while mentoring rising leaders committed to improving health across North Carolina. As Tilson retires from this role, FHLI expresses its sincere appreciation for his lasting contributions to the program and the countless fellows whose journeys have been strengthened by his guidance.
“Hugh Tilson simply makes others better,” said Dr. Rachel Keever, President and CEO of FHLI. “His presence and his personal and professional standards have elevated the Bernstein Fellowship Program, and he has inspired dozens of fellows to design a bold career that will serve the people of North Carolina.”
By investing in emerging leaders and creating opportunities to engage with policymakers, healthcare executives, and community partners, the Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows Program is preparing the next generation of health advocates to advance innovative, community-driven solutions that enhance the conditions of health for all North Carolinians.
About Foundation Health Leadership and Innovation
Launched in 1982 under the leadership of Jim Bernstein, the Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation (FHLI) advances collaborative, community-driven solutions to impact whole-person health for everyone, everywhere in North Carolina.
FHLI programs include:
- Center of Excellence for Integrated Care (COE)
- Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows
- Jim & Sue Bernstein Health Center Scholarship
- NCCARE360
- North Carolina Oral Health Collaborative (NCOHC)
- North Carolina Rural Health Association (NCHRA)
- Project ECHO Network in North Carolina (PEN-NC)
About the Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows Program
Created by James (Jim) D. Bernstein, FHLI’s founding director, the Jim Bernstein Community Health Leadership Fellows Program builds on his more than 30-year legacy of advancing community-driven healthcare solutions in rural and underserved communities. The two-year fellowship equips rising leaders with the collaborative leadership skills, mentorship, and resources needed to improve whole-person, whole-community, and whole-state health.
2024-2026 Bernstein Fellows Cohort
- Sheneka Brightwell, NCCM, CHW
- Tonia Bryant, BSN, RN, LNHA
- Matt Mitchell, LCSW, LCAS, CCS
- Cayla Price, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
- Liz Stevens, MPH, RN, CPHN, SANE
- LaCosta Tipton, MPH, BSN, RN
# # #
Contact: Dr. Rachel Keever
Email: rachel.keever@foundationhli.org
Phone: 828-244-5368