ECU Health announced on March 13 the appointment of Cathy Yablonski as the new president of Outer Banks Health, following a national search. Yablonski will begin her role on April 20, succeeding Ronnie Sloan, who is retiring on April 1. Van Smith, president of ECU Health Community Hospitals, will serve as interim president until Yablonski assumes her duties.
Yablonski said she is honored to join the Outer Banks Health team and was impressed by “the health system’s profound dedication to the community it serves.” She added, “I’m eager to collaborate with ECU Health and Chesapeake Regional Healthcare to strengthen and expand the care we provide to both year round residents and the visitors who make the Outer Banks such a special place.”
With more than three decades of experience in health care leadership, Yablonski most recently served as senior vice president and chief ambulatory operations officer for Mary Washington Healthcare in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Her background includes overseeing a division with over 1,200 team members and serving for 14 years as chief executive of Stafford Hospital.
Smith said, “Cathy is a relationship‑driven, patient‑centered leader with a deep commitment to quality, operational excellence and community health. Her experience and leadership style align seamlessly with ECU Health’s mission and values. I have full confidence she will continue to advance Outer Banks Health’s reputation of providing outstanding care.”
Outer Banks Health maintains a strong partnership with Dare County aimed at expanding access to high-quality care for both residents and visitors. Myra L. Bone, chair of the Outer Banks Health Board, said, “Cathy is joining an incredible team and a local community that takes great pride in having high-quality care available here in the Outer Banks. Her collaborative spirit and strong commitment to local partnerships make her an exceptional fit for this role. We’re confident she will continue to strengthen our relationships across Dare County and with community leaders as we work together to support the health and well being of the Outer Banks.”
ECU Health operates as a nonprofit integrated health care system consisting of hospitals, clinics, and physician practices in eastern North Carolina according to its official website. The organization aims to serve as a model for rural health and wellness while impacting communities throughout eastern North Carolina according to its official website. Its network includes an academic medical center with two campuses, eight community hospitals, numerous outpatient clinics, specialty centers, home health services, hospice programs, and wellness centers according to its official website.
The system operates with 1,708 licensed beds across its facilities and serves more than 1.4 million people in 29 counties through over 185 clinics at 110 locations staffed by more than 1,100 providers according to its official website. ECU Health’s mission focuses on enhancing health and well-being in eastern North Carolina through patient-focused medical care along with community services and rehabilitation programs according to its official website.
As Yablonski prepares to take on her new role next month, observers expect continued collaboration between ECU Health leadership teams and local partners throughout Dare County.
