Greenville Reporter

In 1984, Jaimie Yahnker made a significant life decision to move from Long Island, New York, to North Carolina with his parents. Reflecting on this choice, he said, “Here I was fresh out of high school... After graduation, I decided to move with my parents to North Carolina, which was the best decision I could have made.”

Jaimie was one of seven siblings and joined three others already residing in North Carolina. That November, he began working at ECU Health Medical Center, known then as Pitt County Memorial Hospital.

Initially employed at the Information Desk, Jaimie's career path shifted when he connected with the Education Department through his sister's employment there. He started assembling orientation packets for new staff members part-time. “That went well,” he noted.

While working in education during afternoons and attending Pitt Community College in the mornings, Jaimie earned a degree in human services. Despite applying for various jobs post-graduation and facing hiring challenges due to market conditions at the time, ECU Health’s HR director Charles Fennessy supported him. “He [Charles] was determined to help me all he could,” Jaimie stated.

Eventually securing a full-time role in the Insurance Department under Financial Services for nearly a decade, Jaimie also pursued further education in human resources. However, preferring more interaction than his cubicle job allowed and following surgery on both rotator cuffs due to prolonged use of forearm crutches, Jaimie sought change.

After discussing his situation with then-CEO Dave McRae—“I told him I wasn’t sure how my recuperation would go”—he transitioned into a clinical support position within Rehabilitation. Over time and through different roles including hospitality (now experience), Dr. Felicia Collins invited him back to Rehabilitation where he remains today.

Jaimie appreciates being an inspiration: “I am a good role model for the patients and their family members.” He values his supportive colleagues: “They are a great team.” Despite occasional inquiries about retirement plans, Jaimie has no immediate intentions of leaving: “Working gives me a reason to get out of bed.”