EDENTON — In a significant acknowledgment of his dedication and leadership in rural health care, Brian Harvill, president of ECU Health Chowan, Bertie and Roanoke-Chowan hospitals, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 list of “Rural Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know.”
The Becker’s Hospital Review list spotlights leaders who are navigating these complexities with creativity and resilience. Harvill’s inclusion underscores his influence in driving operational excellence while maintaining a strong patient-centered focus. In his role, he has supported initiatives that expand telehealth, improve emergency care delivery, and promote community wellness—efforts that are especially critical in geographically isolated areas. This will be the 4th year in a row that Harvill has been recognized.
The prestigious list honors individuals who have demonstrated innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes in rural communities across the nation.
“I’m deeply honored to be named among this group of dedicated rural health leaders. This recognition is truly a reflection of the extraordinary people I work alongside every day—our providers, nurses, support staff, and administrators—who are dedicated to serving our communities with compassion and purpose,” he said. “I’m grateful for their partnership and proud of what we’ve accomplished together to expand access and elevate care across northeastern North Carolina.”
Harvill, CPA, MBA, joined ECU Health in 2011 and has since held several key leadership roles, including Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Financial Services. In 2018, he was appointed president of ECU Health Bertie and Chowan Hospitals, and in 2023, he expanded his leadership to include ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital.
Under Harvill’s leadership, ECU Health Chowan Hospital in Edenton, ECU Health Bertie Hospital in Windsor, and ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie have continued to serve as vital anchors of care in their respective communities. His strategic guidance ensures that each hospital delivers high-quality services tailored to local needs, while also leveraging the broader resources of the ECU Health system.
Harvill has consistently championed collaborative solutions to strengthen rural health delivery. By integrating services across multiple hospitals and streamlining operations, he has helped optimize staffing, reduce duplication, and maximize available resources. His approach not only reinforces financial sustainability for these smaller facilities but also enhances patient access to care close to home.
Beyond operational leadership, Harvill’s work exemplifies a deep-rooted commitment to the people his hospitals serve. Each of the communities under his leadership faces its own unique health care challenges, from high rates of chronic disease to limited transportation infrastructure. Harvill’s responsiveness to these needs has helped cultivate trust and strengthen partnerships between the hospitals and the residents they serve.
His collaborative spirit also extends internally. Harvill is known for fostering strong relationships with clinical and non-clinical staff across all three hospitals, emphasizing teamwork, respect, and shared purpose. Through this inclusive leadership style, he has cultivated an environment where innovation thrives, and employees are empowered to deliver exceptional care.
Harvill’s recognition comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of rural health care. As challenges mount—including workforce shortages, aging populations, and limited access to specialized services—leaders like Harvill are redefining what’s possible for small hospitals. Overseeing three facilities in northeastern North Carolina, Harvill has played a crucial role in aligning clinical operations, advancing patient care initiatives, and enhancing community engagement across the region.
“The best thing about working in a rural setting is we can connect and make an impact on our patients beyond the walls of the hospital,” he said. “Safe and quality care during a tense or medical moment in a patient’s life is critical, but also making an impact on all of our community members during non-crisis modes is essential to overall care and commitment in a rural area. Our team members care for family and friends in our hospitals and clinics, and ensuring we are delivering quality care to our loved ones and protect all that enter our doors is what drives me to come to work every day.
This recent recognition places Harvill in esteemed company. Also named to Becker’s 2025 list from ECU Health were Dr. Michael Waldrum, CEO of ECU Health and dean of the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, and Dennis Campbell, II, RN, president of ECU Health Beaufort Hospital. Together, these leaders reflect ECU Health’s overarching mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina through compassionate, patient-centered care and academic excellence.
For Harvill, the award is a reflection of years of hard work, strategic insight, and an unwavering focus on serving rural populations with dignity and integrity. As the health care landscape continues to evolve, especially in underserved regions, leaders like him are helping to chart a future where quality care is not confined by geography but defined by innovation, compassion, and accessibility.
With a career rooted in service to rural communities, Harvill continues to stand out as a model of effective, community-minded health care leadership. His work is not only reshaping the institutions he leads but also making a lasting impact on the lives of patients and families across northeastern North Carolina.
Worth noting, Harvill lives in Edenton with wife Joy — their son Josh attends NC School of Science and Math and their daughter Molly attends NCSU.
One response to “Brian Harvill Recognized as Top Rural Health Leader in 2025”
[…] Hospital President Brian Harvill expressed his appreciation for the recipients. This year’s grant recipients serve communities in Chowan, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington counties. […]