Central Carolina Hospital announced Tuesday that Chris Fensterle will be the organization’s next chief executive officer effective August 30.
Fensterle, who will replace outgoing CEO Spencer Thomas, has held leadership positions at Frye Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint Hospital in Hickory, where he most recently served as interim CEO and chief operations officer.
“Central Carolina Hospital and the communities it serves are in capable hands with Chris,” said Jamie Carter, division president for LifePoint Health. “He is a known leader within the Duke LifePoint network, and brings a remarkable breadth of operational, leadership and patient-focused experience as well as dedication to quality care. We look forward to working with him to grow CCH and broaden its impact on the health and wellbeing of its region.”
Fensterle became Frye Regional’s COO in 2016, before moving into the interim CEO and COO role in 2019. He was previously an administrator with Manatee Memorial Healthcare System in Florida and began his career as a behavioral healthcare provider before transitioning into business development and hospital administration.
“We are fortunate to continue our mission of making communities healthier with such a noted leader as Chris at the helm,” said Tom Snell, CCH’s board chair. “I have no doubt Chris will lead CCH with the same level of excellence he has brought to his past endeavors. We are delighted to welcome him to our community.”
A graduate of Mary Washington College, Fernstele holds an M.S. in administration and healthcare from Central Michigan University. He is a member of the American College of Health Care Executives and has served on boards including the YMCA of Catawba and the Sarasota/Manatee American Cancer Society.
“I could not be happier about the opportunity to lead CCH in such a pivotal moment in healthcare,” Fensterle said. “The CCH system is a trusted regional leader, and I look forward to working together with its team to continue providing quality care in Lee County and expanding the many ways it serves is communities.”