On Monday, January 27th, 2025, Carolina Caring appointed six new members to the Carolina Caring Board of Directors and two new members to the Carolina Caring Foundation Board of Directors.
New members to the Carolina Caring Board of Directors include:
Dr. Amy Wood: Executive Director of Corporate and Community Events, Appalachian State University Hickory Campus
Dr. Wood witnessed the impact of compassionate care as a college student at Wake Forest University, when she interned at a hospice agency in Winston-Salem, NC. Her early experience solidified her desire to pursue a degree in counseling and a professional path to human services.
“I have been familiar with the incredible work and impeccable reputation of this agency for many years – including the care provided to countless friends and family. Being a part of Carolina Caring would allow me to support a mission close to my heart, where empathy and care for others are at the forefront of everything.”
Ben Jenkins: Owner, Jenkins Funeral Home
Jenkins hopes that his involvement on the Board will help improve the transition from hospice to funeral care for families in our community.
“Serving on the Carolina Caring board would allow me to make a direct impact on end-of-life care in our community, building on my experience in funeral services…Being involved aligns with my commitment to giving back and supporting families through difficult times, while also reflecting my values of faith, compassion, and resilience.”
Ann Metz: Retired Director of Marketing & Communications, Frye Regional Medical Center
With a 40-year career in healthcare marketing and public relations, Metz is excited to assist non-profit organizations such as Carolina Caring, whose mission aligns with her values and passions.
“As a leader in palliative medicine, hospice and end-of-life care, Carolina Caring is an organization I have followed with interest since moving to North Carolina in 2021. Its mission resonates with me. I have heard great things about the organization, its services, and its leadership team from my colleagues and other community leaders…I believe Board service to Carolina Caring would be mutually beneficial, enriching my life as I share my time, talents, and whatever else the Board of may need of me.”
LaKeisha Ellis: Regional Executive Director, Cogir Senior Living
Ellis arrives on the Board after establishing a years-long relationship between Carolina Caring and Cogir Senior Living. She appreciates Carolina Caring for providing in-house physician services, including hospice, to residents in a manner reflecting Cogir Senior Living processes.
“Our resident family members consider us one team and recognize the trust that has been established with our community and Carolina Caring. This trust also gives them assurance surrounding their loves one’s care.”
Molly Gross: Attorney at Patrick, Harper, & Dixon Law Firm
As a professional attorney and an active member of several professional and volunteer groups, Gross appreciates the alignment of the mission of her work and Carolina Caring’s mission of providing compassionate serious illness and end-of-life care to all who need it.
“I am drawn to the mission and excited about all of the growth that the organization is experiencing. I also appreciate the ways that Carolina Caring has responded to changing needs within the community.”
Dr. Jenette Swisher: Medical Director, President of Swisher Internal Medicine and Swisher Skin & Laser Center
Dr. Swisher has served clients in the Catawba County area since 1997. Dr. Swisher opened Swisher Internal Medicine in 2007 and expanded her variety of services by opening the Swisher Skin & Laser Center in 2020. Dr. Swisher was drawn to Carolina Caring because she recognizes the strong leadership within the organization.
“I am attracted to the Carolina Caring Board of Directors because of the organization’s reputation as a great support for families and patients who need it most.”
New members to the Carolina Caring Foundation Board of Directors include:
David Parsons: Retired Partner at Davidson, Holland, Whitesell & Co., PLLC – CPAs
Parsons is excited to serve on the Carolina Caring Foundation Board and become part of the Carolina Caring team. With an extensive Accounting career in the Hickory and Charlotte regions, he is a well-connected professional with strong ties to our community.
“I am honored to be asked to serve on the board of such a worthwhile organization…it is refreshing to find an organization that includes words like ‘service’, ‘respect’, and ‘excellence’ in their foundational values, and then lives out those values in service to the community.”
Bill Cable: President & CEO, Peoples Bank – Newton
Cable was drawn to the Carolina Caring Foundation Board due to the organization’s active growth and the direct help it provides to individuals and families facing serious illness. He looks forward to serving with the Carolina Caring Foundation and helping the organization continue its work.
“Carolina Caring was there to help my family in our time of greatest need, providing counseling and support when we unexpectedly lost our son. Their patient, kind, compassionate, and professional care is something that I will not forget, and it brings me comfort to know that they are providing the same levels of care for many others across our communities.”
Welcome, members!
As a nonprofit organization, Carolina Caring is reliant upon and attentive to the needs of the communities we serve. The Carolina Caring Board of Directors is a group of professional and retired community members who bring special talents and interests to inform the direction of the organization. Similarly, the Foundation Board of Directors consists of passionate individuals who help to secure the future of Carolina Caring by generating the resources needed for expansion and innovation.
