News

Pardee names chief operating officer

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 20, 2021

A veteran health care administrator with deep ties to Western North Carolina has been named chief operating officer at Pardee UNC Health Care.

Pardee announced Friday that Steve Heatherly will officially join the organization Oct. 11. In this new role for Pardee, Heatherly will oversee the daily operations and functions of the hospital, while ensuring efficient services are delivered to meet the needs of patients seeking care at Pardee Hospital.
Heatherly is currently serving as CEO of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital in Sylva and has previously served as CEO of MedWest Physician Network, Executive Vice President of WestCare Health System, CEO of Mountain Neurological Center and Chief Financial Officer of WestCare Health System.
“The addition of a healthcare executive with the professional experience and knowledge of Western North Carolina that Steve possesses will be a tremendous asset to Pardee,” said Jay Kirby, president and CEO, Pardee UNC Health Care. “Pardee has tripled in size over the past 10 years. As our reach continues to expand throughout our region, and our hospital becomes increasingly busy, we will rely on Steve’s broad experience to help us manage the increasing demands of a high growth healthcare organization that remains deeply committed to our community.”
Heatherly received his bachelor of science in financial management from the University of North Carolina Asheville. He earned his master of business administration from Western Carolina University and his master of health administration from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He served as chairman of the Western North Carolina Health Network and is currently a board member of the Great Smokies Health Foundation and Crescent Health Solutions.