Pardee Hospital Foundation

The Pardee Hospital Foundation announces the addition of five new members to its Board of Directors and the election of a new Executive Committee. Each new board member will serve a three-year term, expiring in 2028. The Foundation is also proud to name Dr. Yaseen Zia as the incoming Board Chair.

Since joining the board in 2022, Dr. Zia has provided invaluable leadership. As a practicing radiation oncologist, he offers a unique clinical perspective that supports the Foundation’s mission of advancing regional healthcare.

Joining Dr. Zia on the Executive Committee are Bill Jansen (Vice Chair), Heather Ward (Treasurer), and Nicola Barksdale (Secretary).

The Foundation also welcomes the following new board members:

• Donald Burroughs, Jr. – A successful interior designer and owner of Willow Home and Interiors in Landrum, SC, Donald brings a heartfelt commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare, shaped by personal experience.

• Dr. Joel Callahan – A Pardee neurologist for 14 years, former Chief of Staff, and 2023 Pardee Physician of the Year. Founder of the Circle of Caring Program, a scholarship initiative for Pardee Teammates pursuing healthcare education and certifications.

• Dr. Mark Goldstein – A child and forensic psychologist and resident of Kenmure, Dr. Goldstein has been an active supporter of Pardee’s Cancer Center through Kenmure Fights Cancer. His expertise will be key as the Foundation supports Pardee’s expansion into adolescent behavioral health.

• Vaughan Matthews – Returning to the board after previously serving two terms and as Board Chair, Vaughan brings extensive business acumen and a deep passion for philanthropy. He and his wife, Kiki, were named Philanthropists of the Year in 2022 for their outstanding contributions to the community.

• Lynde Mickey, RN – A nursing instructor at Blue Ridge Community College and former Pardee Teammate, Lynde offers a firsthand understanding of healthcare challenges in our region. Her experience will strengthen the Foundation’s Sharing & Caring Teammate Engagement program.

“We are excited about Pardee Hospital Foundation’s future and our role in shaping healthcare in our region,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director of Pardee Hospital Foundation. “Our Board brings incredible experience combined with a clear vision that will play an important role in supporting Pardee and the patients we serve.”

Recent events at Pardee Cancer Center reminded us just how powerful community, compassion, and connection can be. In a heartfelt celebration honoring cancer survivors and the many loved ones, caregivers, and supporters who walk beside them, patients, families, and friends gathered for a day filled with joy, remembrance, and renewed hope.

The Foundation was honored to partner with Pardee Cancer Center in hosting this meaningful event, which featured live music, delicious food, uplifting improv performances, and a moving butterfly release. Special guests Lake Lure Mayor Carol Pritchett and Dr. John Hill offered deeply personal reflections on what it truly means to be a survivor, adding a powerful layer of meaning to the day.

Among the most memorable moments was a tribute from Mr. Bill Meyers, who honored the memory of his late wife, Maryke, with a generous $21,500 gift to establish an endowment in her name. This endowment will support advanced education opportunities for the Pardee Cancer Center team, helping to ensure exceptional, compassionate care continues well into the future.

Events like this one are a powerful reflection of the Foundation’s continued commitment to transforming cancer care in our region. Pardee Cancer Center offers advanced treatment options, same-day support through its new Oncology Acute Care Clinic, and expanded screenings that save lives through early detection. In 2023, Pardee treated more than 840 new patients, the most in its history, and continues to serve as a trusted destination for cancer care across Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina.

This progress would not be possible without you. Donor support fuels innovation, expands access, and ensures that patients and their families receive life-changing care close to home. If you believe in making that care possible, we invite you to support Pardee Cancer Center today.

As Pardee Hospital Foundation looks ahead to a new fiscal year, we pause with deep appreciation to recognize three outstanding board members whose terms have come to a close. Each of these individuals brought unique expertise, heartfelt commitment, and a deep love for this community to their service, and Pardee is stronger because of them.

Hilton Swing has been a pillar of the Henderson County community for more than five decades, offering his time and talent to a variety of causes that improve the quality of life for residents. In addition to his dedicated service on the Pardee Hospital Foundation board, Hilton served as President of the Housing Assistance Corporation, helping to create safe and affordable housing for those in need. A seasoned real estate professional and natural connector, Hilton generously shared his professional network and community knowledge with the Foundation throughout his term. And if you ask him about golf, he may tell you a story or two about his graduate school days spent mastering the links at St. Andrews in Scotland.

Jennifer McAlister, MD, FACS, brought both her clinical insight and deep compassion to her board service. A highly respected fellowship-trained breast surgeon, Dr. McAlister has spent her career empowering women to make informed decisions about their health. Her medical expertise and her firsthand understanding of patient needs have made her a vital voice in advancing Pardee’s commitment to women’s health. Outside the operating room, Dr. McAlister brings that same energy to hiking trails, tennis courts, and her kitchen.

Chip Gould has long believed in the power of service, and his time on the Foundation board reflects that belief in action. Currently serving as chairman of the Pardee Hospital Board, Chip understands that the success of the Foundation and the hospital are deeply connected. As President and CEO of Cason Companies, Inc., he brought a strategic mindset and a deep care for the community to every conversation. A recipient of the G. Ray Cantrell Award for Community Service, Chip has served on numerous boards throughout his career, but when he finds time to relax, you might find him out on the water, enjoying the peace of his boat.

To Hilton, Dr. McAlister, and Chip: thank you. Your dedication to our mission, your generosity of spirit, and your belief in better health for all have left a lasting legacy.