HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — The Pardee Hospital Foundation welcomes five new members to its Board of Directors, bringing a diverse range of professional expertise, fundraising experience and community connections to the organization as it continues its mission of supporting UNC Health Pardee and the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
Joining the Foundation Board are Rusty Edwards, Jared Fackrell, Bob McCartha, Taylor Bell Poteat, CFP, and Leigh Tate.
“We are excited to welcome these five new members to the Pardee Hospital Foundation Board,” said Amy Treece, Executive Director of the Pardee Hospital Foundation. “Collectively, these candidates bring valuable expertise, fresh perspectives and a broader regional outlook that will strengthen the Foundation as we continue exploring new ways to generate support for Pardee and advance our mission.”
Rusty Edwards is regional executive at First Bank and brings an extensive background in regional business leadership. Many in the community know Edwards through First Bank’s longstanding support of Women Helping Women. He has also introduced the keynote speaker at the Foundation’s annual Women Helping Women luncheon for the past several years. A native of Haywood County, Edwards will help bring an important perspective from beyond Henderson County.
Jared Fackrell is a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Flat Rock. He resides in Brevard with his young family and has already developed a strong connection with the Foundation through his work over the past year, helping educate clients about opportunities to support UNC Health Pardee.
Bob McCartha is a retired dentist from Newberry, South Carolina. He began visiting Hendersonville with his family in the early 1970s and, upon retirement, fulfilled a longtime dream of relocating to Champion Hills with his wife, Kathryn. During his time in Newberry, McCartha served on the board of the local hospital foundation, giving him firsthand experience with the important role a foundation can play in supporting a community hospital. He was introduced to the Pardee Hospital Foundation by Jimmy Chandler, a former Pardee and Pardee Hospital Foundation Board member and current Pardee BlueMD Board member.
Taylor Bell Poteat, CFP, serves as chief operating and compliance officer at Colton Groome Financial. A native and lifelong resident of South Buncombe County, Poteat brings a strong understanding of the broader region and was introduced to the Foundation by Heather Ward, a former Foundation Board member.
Leigh Tate brings extensive fundraising and development experience to the Foundation Board, having spent many years as a development officer at Stanford University Medical Center. A longtime advocate for initiatives that positively impact the community, Tate was introduced to the Foundation by Jean Faulkner, a longtime member of the Women Helping Women Committee.
The Foundation also extends its appreciation to four outgoing Board members — Cameron Baker, William J. Rushton, Jr., Hilton Swing, and Heather LaRue Ward — for their service, leadership and commitment to the Foundation and Pardee.
“Board service is a significant commitment, and we are grateful for the time, expertise and enthusiasm each of our outgoing members has shared with the Foundation,” Treece said. “Their contributions have helped move our work forward, and we are thankful for the lasting impact they have made.”
The addition of the five new Board members comes as the Pardee Hospital Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary of local giving and local impact. Founded in 1996, the Foundation raises funds and awareness to support UNC Health Pardee and help advance healthcare in the community.