FirstHealth of the Carolinas Announces Leadership Updates

PINEHURST, N.C. - FirstHealth of the Carolinas is pleased to announce three significant leadership updates, reinforcing our commitment to exceptional patient care and operational excellence across our health system.

Susan Beaty, MSN, R.N., has been promoted to chief nursing officer of FirstHealth of the Carolinas. Prior to her new role, Susan served as the first and only administrator and president of Moore Regional Hospital-Hoke where she was responsible for driving positive employee engagement and elevating patient satisfaction.

Her patient-centered approach and ability to foster collaboration resulted in increased staff morale and operational efficiency.

"Susan's exceptional leadership, proven success and unwavering commitment to excellence make her the ideal candidate to step into this critical role," said Mickey Foster, CEO of FirstHealth of the Carolinas.

In her new role, Susan will oversee nursing operations across the system, working closely with campus presidents and nurse executives to ensure alignment with FirstHealth's mission to provide compassionate, exceptional care.

Effective Oct. 1, 2025, Matt Prestwood, MHA, FACHE, has been promoted to president of Moore Regional Hospital-Hoke. Matt has served as vice president of operations for Moore Regional Hospital since 2022, where he successfully managed systemwide services, including EMS, laboratory, imaging, public safety, life safety & emergency management, facility services, environmental services and food & nutritional services.

"Matt has demonstrated exceptional leadership, and we are confident he will lead Hoke to new heights," said Foster. "We extend our sincere congratulations to both Susan and Matt for their new roles and express our gratitude for their dedication to strengthening our organization."

Additionally, FirstHealth is thrilled to welcome Catherine H. Hughes, MBA, FACHE, as vice president of operations for Moore Regional Hospital, effective Sept. 29, 2025. Catherine brings extensive experience as a health care leader, most recently serving as vice president of hospital operations at Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg, Va., where she led a 238-bed Magnet-designated medical center.

Jonathan Davis, COO of FirstHealth and president of Moore Regional Hospital, added, "We are delighted to welcome Catherine to the FirstHealth family. Her proven track record of driving operational excellence and fostering collaboration will be invaluable as we continue to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care. We look forward to her contributions to our organization."