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ABOUT SC ACHE
SC ACHE is divided into three Local Programming Chapters: (LPCs) Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry, as can be seen on the map to the right. Each LPC has its own Chair who serves as the primary contact for that region. Click the button below to contact your regional LPC chair and learn how to get involved!
Meet the Board!
Sshune M. Rhodes, MHA, FACHE
President, SC ACHE and Nominations Chair
About Me: Highly experienced health care leader with over 25 years of healthcare management expertise in various disciplines successfully leading and managing cross-functional teams. She received a Master of Health Administration & Policy degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. Her administrative experience began at Roper St. Francis Healthcare in Charleston, SC. Mrs. Rhodes then leveraged her expertise, transitioning to an inter-professional role at the Medical University of South Carolina that focuses on innovating and implementing strategic service initiatives, telehealth, and virtual health programs. In addition to also serving as the Vice President Virtual Health Officer, for Health Concepts International (HCI), responsible for the growth, development, and coordination of HCI’s virtual health consulting practice services. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of South Carolina, Department of Health Services Policy & Management, Arnold School of Public Health. Mrs. Rhodes resides in Charleston, SC with her husband Dr. Harold Maurice Rhodes, III, DDS. They have two “adult” children - Maurice, IV and Houston Marie.
Fun Fact: After college I spent a month with my BFF travelling across the continent of Asia touring Korea, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, and Bali.
Divya Reddy, MPH, FACHE
Immediate Past President
About Me: I am currently an AVP at BCBSSC with a focus on leading clinical programs, strategy, and innovation for our national markets. I have been a healthcare leader for 15 years and have spent the majority of my career in Hospital Administration. I attended NC State University for my Undergraduate degree in Finance and Marketing (Go Pack!) and then USC for my Masters in Public Health.
I also serve on the Sistercare board here in the Midlands and enjoy giving back to my community.
Fun Fact: I live in Lexington, SC with my husband. We enjoy spending time by the water. I have been a Fellow for 11 years now and feel honored to be a leader within our ACHE chapter.
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Carl Kennedy
President Elect, SC ACHE
About Me: Seasoned executive leader with an MBA, an EMT-P certification, and FACHE, currently serving as Global Vice President at Dassault Systèmes. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, he combines clinical insight with strategic business acumen to drive innovative solutions and operational excellence across global markets.
Throughout his career, Carl has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through his expertise in strategic planning, operations management, and physician recruitment. His multidisciplinary background uniquely positions him to bridge the gap between clinical care and business strategy, fostering improvements that benefit both patient outcomes and organizational performance.
Furman Lovett
Treasurer
About Me: Highly engaged healthcare executive with 13 years of consulting experience, including the Big 4, Fortune 500 and a startup. As a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), I have a strong passion for ensuring that every patient receives the absolute best care in the most efficient manner. You will find me on every engagement emphasizing that the project's meaning must tie-back to patient outcomes.
My work has truly taken me across the globe. My most unique experience was delivering an engagement in the Middle East (Qatar) completely revamping the surgical program at the country's largest health system
Karen G. Schwartz, FACHE,
Regent
About Me: Energetic, innovative professional with a strong track record of success in leading teams to meet or exceed goals. Effective in developing strategic initiatives to meet the changing climate in healthcare. Talent for catalyzing the exchange of ideas between leadership and professionals from varied disciplines to develop progressive, creative solutions for critical issues. Successful in managing multiple large strategic and construction projects and exceeding project goals. Demonstrated ability to influence successful outcomes across organizational boundaries as evidenced by the work with Ecological Stewardship Initiative and Stewardship Initiatives. Seasoned healthcare leader with 35 years experience; 20 of those in an executive leadership role. Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives- FACHE and Black Belt, Lean Six Sigma.
FUN FACT: Being a Grandma is my coolest role so far on my life’s journey – I have three grandchildren – one grandson – Henry and two granddaughters – Hagan and Chandler.
Donald M. Peace, Ph.D, FACHE
Immediate Past Regent and HEN Representative for Anderson University
About Me: Dr. Don Peace is a Fellow in the American College for Health Care Executives and has served the healthcare community as President of the South Carolina Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives from 2018 to 2020 where he continues to serve on their Board of Directors. Nationally, he was elected by South Carolina ACHE membership and named by the Board of Governors as Regent for South Carolina in March 2020 for a three-year term ending March 2023. Dr. Peace is currently serving on ACHE’s Healthcare Executive Editorial Board and his term ends in March 2026. He also serves as Board Chair of United Way of Anderson County and board member at Hospice of the Upstate. Dr. Peace serves Anderson University as the Founding Dean for the College of Health Professions as well as Professor and Chair for the School of Allied Health. He joined the Anderson University faculty in 2015. Dr. Peace previously served his community at AnMed Health from 1984 to 2002 and then South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control from 2002 to 2015.
Fun Fact: Has seen Mount Everest face to face while doing medical missions in Nepal.
Carter Shelton
Low Country LPC Chair
About Me: Carter Shelton serves as the Director of Business Development for MUSC Community Physicians, the entity supporting MUSC’s operations outside of the Charleston area. In this role, he leads growth efforts in practice acquisition and new developments working to expand MUSC’s comprehensive care across the state. He originally joined MUSC Health as an Administrative Fellow focused on Ambulatory Operations. Carter sought a career in healthcare leadership as an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. His involvement in ACHE since his undergraduate years has demonstrated to him the positive impact strong leadership can make in the healthcare space.
He completed his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with a focus in Healthcare Analytics from The University of Alabama and received his Master’s of Science in Health Care Management (MSHCM) from Johns Hopkins University. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE).
Fun Fact: In his free time, Carter enjoys taking in all the LowCountry has to offer with his wife and daughter including sailing, tennis, scenic runs, and the regions deep history.
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Cassie A. Craddock, MPH
Upstate LPC Chair
About Me: I am currently a Payor Liaison with the InVio Health Network, an ACO, located in Greenville, SC. In this role I work in the Value Based Care space coordinating efforts to ensure that quality and shared savings are maximized in the various contracts the ACO holds. I have worked within the quality and value space the entirety of my healthcare career, so far, and it is a space in healthcare that I am very engaged with and passionate about. I have enjoyed seeing how many more VBC contracts have been taken on and helping strategize how practices and the ACO can create sustainable, and profitable, models that puts the patient at the center of their care.
I graduated with my B.S. degree in Psychology from the College of Charleston and with my MPH from the University of South Carolina.
I reside in Greenville with my husband, Jeremy, and my two daughters, Emerson, who will be turning 6, and Avett, 7 months. We are learning how to go from a family of 3 to 4! I enjoy designing and landscaping our yard, exploring all that the Upstate has to offer, especially the hiking and parks, and the scones from the Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery.
Fun Fact: I prefer Miracle Whip over mayonnaise
Vacant
Elected Director of Upstate (At Large)
Bio coming soon...
Marc J. Miller, MBA, FACHE, FACMPE
Elected Director of Midlands (At Large)
About Me: Marc is a highly accomplished and nationally recognized Population Health Executive, CEO, and Contracting Consultant. His responsibilities included multi-state leadership of health system physician enterprises, Accountable Care Organizations, Clinically Integrated Networks, and other healthcare services organizations in the non-profit, for-profit, and private equity backed environments. He was recently awarded “2018 Senior Healthcare Executive of the Year” by the American College of Healthcare Executives Alabama chapter.He has led healthcare transformation, value-based strategy, payor contracting reimbursement, and population health management for multi-billion dollar health systems. In addition, he has experience in managing though private equity backed healthcare transactions. Mr. Miller has a successful track record in developing ACOs and CINs in five different states, and is an expert in forming strategic coalitions among health systems, physicians, payors, employers, and post-acute facilities. He has a reputation for discerning future environments, and capitalizing on emerging trends.He is one of a few healthcare executives with the credentials of an MBA, and a Fellowship in the American College of Medical Practice Executives (FACMPE), and a Fellowship in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).
Fun Fact: My hobby is motorcycle touring in the Smoky Mountains.
Dennis Coker, FACHE
Advancement Chair
About Me: I joined ACHE in 1990, advanced to Fellow in 2000, served as Midlands LPC President (2007-2009), and served as SC Chapter President (2010-2012). Member of Advancement Committee (2001-present) and serves as Mentor. Served in various leadership positions in the US Army for 22 years; led The Free Medical Clinic in Columbia for 11 years; serves as the Quality Systems Manager for Surgiform Technology Laboratories for the past 6 years.
Fun Fact: Charter member of Midlands LPC (formerly HEG) in 1992
Tara Powell MBA, MSN, RN
Communications Chair
About Me: I am currently the Director of Business Development for a Critical Illness Recovery Hospital (CIRH). In this role, I provide support and leadership to the admissions team to assist local Acute Care Hospitals in transitioning patients when appropriate onto the next level of rehabilitation and care. I have been within healthcare as an RN for 10 years and previously taught nursing clinicals for my alma mater Ashland University. I am an energetic, creative, driven individual with a strong track record of exceeding goals. I have completed my Masters in Business Administration and Masters of Science in Nursing: Nurse Leadership in Health Care Systems from Grand Canyon University. I am currently enrolled at Capella University for my Doctorate of Nursing.
Fun Fact: Originally from Cleveland, Ohio I am enjoying the southern weather and hospitality South Carolina has to offer. My husband, 2 dogs, and I enjoy the outdoors and nature trails. I look forward to setting roots in the Lexington area and hope to re-create my garden and farm we left in Ohio.
Kolby T. Redd, PhD, MHA, FACHE
LPC Midlands Chair
About Me: I have been a member of SC ACHE since 2008 serving in various capacities at the state and local level. I currently work as an Assistant Professor where I teach healthcare management courses, both at the undergraduate and graduate level. Prior to moving into academia full-time in 2019, I most recently served as the Director of Neuroscience Research at USC School of Medicine. I hold a bachelor's degree in Biology, a master's degree in Health Administration, and my PhD from the University of South Carolina in Health Services Policy and Management with an emphasis in Health Promotion Education and Behavior.
Fun Fact: I live in Lexington, SC with my husband who is a Captain for the Lexington County Fire Department. We have a son who is 2 years old and a daughter who is 5 months old.
Vacant
Membership Chair and Growth & Diversity Chair
Bio Coming Soon...
Jay Hamm
Audit Chair
About Me: Jay Hamm is currently the Vice President, Operations at Lexington Medical Center. He has served in this role since April 2020. He is responsible for the Emergency Department, six Urgent Care Centers, Pharmacy Services, Pulmonary & Neurodiagnostic Services and Sleep Lab.
Jay earned his Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and nursing and Master of Healthcare Administration degree from the University of South Carolina. Prior to his current role, Jay served in various executive leadership roles for Palmetto/Prisma Health since 2009 including COO/CEO, System Vice President, Clinical Operations and Vice President, Operations. In addition, he worked for the University of Virginia Health System in Charlottesville, Va from 2003-2009 as Administrator, Patient Care Services. Jay also serves as an Adjunct Faculty member for the Arnold School of Public Health, Department of Health Services and Policy Management and enjoys mentoring and coaching healthcare administration students and novice early careerists.
During his thirty plus years of healthcare experience, he has led a variety of service areas, including trauma & emergency Services, critical care air & ground transport, emergency management, and ancillary and support services. Jay has served as President of the American Heart Association Midlands board, Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands board and as Chair of the Midlands Heart Walk & Go Red for Women. In addition, he is a member of the USC College of Nursing Dean’s Circle and serves as the Chair of the Arnold School of Public Health MHA Advisory Board.
Fun Fact: Jay enjoys boating, walking, reading and Gamecock sports.
Cory O. B. Robinson, PhD, MHA, FACHE
Sponsorship/Development Chair
About Me: Dr. Cory Robinson is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health System and an Adjunct Faculty Member at the Medical University of South Carolina, College of Health Professions. He is a member of the MUSC Health System Executive Leadership Team and is responsible for the successful integration and transformation of core processes and performance across the Health System.
Additionally, Cory leads the MUSC Health strategic clinical innovation and healthcare enterprise efforts to identify, cultivate and grow innovative solutions that enable and deliver a transformed experience to its patients, families, care team members and communities at large.
He completed his undergraduate degree in Biology at Erskine College (Due West, SC) and received both his Master’s in Healthcare Administration (MHA) and Doctorate of Philosophy in Health and Rehabilitation Science (PhD) from the Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston, SC). He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Fellow in the American College of Health Care Executives (FACHE) and Malcom Baldridge Quality Award National Examiner.
Fun Fact: I have a 3 year old standard poodle - Jaxon James
Christine (Tina) Ralyea
Programs Chair
About Me: Experienced Senior Leader with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry currentl service as the CNO at Prisma Baptist, Baptist Parkridge, Richland and Tuomey Hospitals. Strong healthcare services professional skilled in Program Development, Healthcare Transformation, Physician Relations, Patient Experience, Quality Improvement, Healthcare Information Technology (HIT), and Healthcare Management.
Laura Sample
Board Director Low Country (At Large)
About Me: I joined the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health System in 2022 as the Oncology Network Administrator, where I focus on building and leading our cancer services across South Carolina. Prior to moving to South Carolina, I worked at Duke University Health System for over 15 years working in strategic planning, business development, and oncology. I received my Bachelors from Duke University, my MHA from UNC Chapel Hill, and am pursuing my DHA at Oklahoma State University. I live in Charleston with my husband and daughter.
Fun Fact: Despite calling the Carolinas my home for the past 24 years, I grew up living around the world including England, Belgium, and Singapore.
Zahi R. Jurdi, DHA / MHA
HEN Representative for MUSC
Lara Hewitt
AHA Liason to SC SCHE
About Me: Dr. Jurdi joined the Medical University of South Carolina in July 2022 and serves as the MHA Division Director. Dr. Jurdi previously served as an assistant professor in Health Care Administration at Georgia Southern University. Before teaching, he spent eight years as a health care resident and administrator at Johns Hopkins Medicine. He received his DHA from MUSC, his MHA from Georgia Southern and his BS in Biology from the Ohio State University. Dr. Jurdi’s research interests focus on patient experience, health equities, addiction science, the financial stability of health services delivery organizations, and telehealth optimization. He enjoys surfing, tennis, biking, and cooking Lebanese food. He has been exploring Charleston with his wife and five-year-old daughter.
Fun Fact: He has been exploring Charleston with his wife and five-year-old daughter and can do a one-handed cartwheel
Fun Fact: Love anything Clemson & watching my boys play baseball! And also, chocolate chip cookies.
Nabil Natafgit
HEN Representative for USC Columbia
About Me: Dr. Nabil Natafgi is an Assistant Professor of Health Services Policy and Management and currently serves as the Interim Director of the MHA Program at the University of South Carolina's Arnold School of Public Health. He also serves as the Associate Director of the Patient Engagement Studio, leading efforts to integrate patient and caregiver perspectives into health research. His research expertise includes telehealth interventions and the science and methods of patient engagement. Dr. Natafgi has been involved in numerous research projects funded by PCORI, NIH, and other federal and state agencies, with a focus on improving healthcare delivery and outcomes through technology. He holds a PhD in Health Services and Policy from the University of Iowa and a BS in Medical Laboratory Technology and MPH from the American University of Beirut. Dr. Natafgi teaches courses in managerial epidemiology and statistics in healthcare, comparative global health systems, and healthcare management residency.
Fun Fact: I am originally from Beirut, Lebanon, and have a passion for travel. I’ve had the opportunity to explore various health systems around the world with our Executive MHA students, visiting destinations such as the UAE, Switzerland, and Spain, with many more global adventures planned for the future.