Last week, CommWell Health announced the retirement of its CEO of 18 years, Pamela M. Tripp, is retiring in July.
“Leading CommWell Health has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” she shared in a press release from the healthcare organization. “The people of this organization — our staff, providers, board members, and community partners — are the heartbeat of our mission. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve and to help build a culture rooted in compassion, excellence, and accountability. I look forward to continuing to support CommWell Health as it moves confidently into the future.”
Under her leadership, CommWell Health has experienced what the press release calls “record-breaking growth” throughout the southeastern portion of the state, with more than 15 practices located in five counties, including Sampson.
Tripp is the author of “The Culture Cure: Transforming the Modern Healthcare System,” a widely referenced work on the power of organizational culture to transform healthcare delivery. She is a frequent keynote speaker at national and state conferences and has been celebrated for her transformational leadership, mentoring, and her commitment to health equity.
Tripp is also the founder of Corporate Transcendence LLC, a leadership and workforce development company that supports healthcare organizations in building effective cultures, strengthening leadership teams, and improving organizational performance in culture, quality finance, and governance through mentoring, coaching and development.
The release further states, “Tripp championed initiatives that expanded access to care, strengthened integrated service delivery, improved financial sustainability, and advanced a culture of excellence.”
In addition, she helped CommWell Health earn the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, recognition by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration, and level 2 achievement of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality award. “She has positioned CommWell Health as a model of operational quality and patient-centered service across southeastern North Carolina and nationwide,” the release concludes.
“Pam has been a transformational leader whose vision, dedication, and deep understanding of community healthcare have shaped CommWell Health for generations to come,” Board Chair Johnson Tilghman was quoted as saying. “Her passion for culture, leadership development, and service has left a lasting legacy on our organization.”
A new CEO will be appointed by CommWell Health’s board of directors prior to Tripp’s retirement. She will continue to serve as a senior executive advisor after her retirement.