South Carolina ACHE
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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!
Divya Reddy, MPH, FACHE
President, SC ACHE and Nominations Chair
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.
Chris Rees
Immediate Past President
About Me: I have over 20 years of experience as a leader in the healthcare industry, 17 of which have been in South Carolina. I currently work as Senior Director of Optum Advisory Services, but have held health system leadership roles in quality, performance improvement and transformation. I am a current FACHE, trained as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt and have a MBA and MHSA from Xavier University as well as a BA from University of Kentucky. I live in Charleston with my wife and son and also have a daughter studying at Duke University.
Fun Fact: I have lived in 7 states but have called South Carolina home for 17 years.
Sshune M. Rhodes, MHA, FACHE
President Elect, SC ACHE
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. Earning her Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Howard University, Mrs. Rhodes’ passion for healthcare led her to start a career as a Microbiologist for the Government of the District of Columbia. Thereafter, 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 by implementing administrative, business, and strategic plans, where she managed multiple women’s and children’s health service lines. 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. In her spare time, she has FUN and escapes through travel, theater, and art. Her belief is…In this world, we have more in common than we have differences, and she loves learning about other cultures.
Tempitope Ayeni
Treasurer
About Me: Board credentialed healthcare executive with twenty two years of exemplary performance and progressive experience in many facets of healthcare and leadership. A collaborative communicator and team builder turning strategic vision into operational context for tactical results. Recognized for professionalism with a positive attitude and commitment to excellence.
Fun Fact: I am an amateur gardener
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.
Kapri Kreps Rhodes
Low Country LPC Chair
Bio coming soon...
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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
Wayne Fraleigh
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 8 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, 3 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
Programs Chair and 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.
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Carl Kennedy, FACHE
Membership Chair and Growth & Diversity Chair
About Me: A dynamic and strategic leader with more than 20 years of healthcare experience across clinical, operational, consulting and commercial sectors.
Fun Fact: Charter Captain and FAA Pilot
William Kenley
Audit Committee
About Me: Mr. William Kenley has served as Chief Executive Officer of AnMed since September 21, 2020. Kenley was most recently as Executive Vice President Community Group, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare based in Memphis, Tennessee, where he served in progressive leadership
roles since 2004. He completed his Master of Public Health Administration at Duke University and received his undergraduate degree from Radford University. He and his wife Carol have two children, Jack and Grace.
Mr. Kenley is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He received a Bachelor of Science from Radford University (1987) and a Master of Health Administration from Duke University (1991) and completed an Administrative Residency with Geisinger Health System (1992).
He currently serves on the board of the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA), Upstate Alliance, Antum Risk, Health Sciences South Carolina, Southeastern Health Partners and Anderson University Board of Visitors and Board of Regents.
Fun Fact: I am a muscle car enthusiast.
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
Zahi R. Jurdi, DHA / MHA
HEN Representative for MUSC
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
Melinda A. Merrell, PhD, MHA
HEN Representative for USC Columbia
About Me: Melinda Merrell is currently serving as a Clinical Assistant Professor and MHA Program Director in the Department of Health Services Policy and Management in the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina. She is also Core Faculty with the Rural and Minority Health Research Center in the Arnold School. Prior to joining USC, she served as Senior Program Director with the South Carolina Office of Rural Health. Dr. Merrell earned her doctorate in Health Services Policy and Management from USC and also holds Master of Public Health and Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Merrell teaches health care management and public health courses at the undergraduate and graduate level in the Arnold School. She also actively mentors students at all levels in support of their career and research interests. Her research interests include disparities in health care access.
Fun Fact: My favorite activities include hiking and going to Gamecock baseball games!
Vacant
Board Director Low Country (At Large)
Bio coming soon...
Lara Hewitt
AHA Liason to SC SCHE
Fun Fact: Love anything Clemson & watching my boys play baseball! And also, chocolate chip cookies.
Committee Overview
The SC ACHE Chapter currently utilizes committees to support the achievement of the Chapter’s goals and objectives. Those committees and their purpose are listed below.
Advancement Committee
Purpose: To serve as a resource to assist Chapter members with advancement issues, including Board of Governors Exam preparation.
Audit Committee
Purpose: To arrange and supervise an annual review of the Chapter’s financial activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and practices.
Communications Committee
Purpose: To appropriately develop and implement timely communications which effectively inform Chapter members and the local healthcare community about upcoming Chapter events and other Chapter activities. Publishes chapter communications, including quarterly newsletter, and regularly updates website. Research most effective means of communicating with chapter members.
Nominating Committee
Purpose: To identify and recruit volunteers to serve on the SC ACHE Chapter Board of Directors.
Programs Committee
Purpose: To actively assess, plan, and implement annual programs for education and professional development as well as networking opportunities for members and the local healthcare community. Coordinates education offerings with LPC Chairs, assuring compliance with ACHE guidelines for local credits.
Sponsorship Committee
Purpose: To establish ongoing sponsorship opportunities and equipping Board members to recruit sponsors from their professional networks.
Membership Committee
Purpose: Responsible for all activities related to understanding the needs of the members. Responsibilities may include creating, conducting, and analyzing membership surveys; creating and maintaining a new member outreach program; updating the member value proposition statement and coordination outreach to all subsections of member in conjunction with other committees.