Mount Airy, NC – Eight graduate from the 2026 Chris A. Lumsden Leadership Academy, a comprehensive educational program designed to foster the leadership potential of employees who volunteer to participate in the four-month curriculum. The Class of 2026 includes Vanessa Bottomley, Melody Graves, Alexandria Hayes, Jessica Hernandez, Freedom Horton, Kellie Jackson, Kaitlin Johnson, and Krystal Wagner.
The Leadership Academy exposes participants to a variety of experiences designed to broaden their understanding of hospital operations and leadership. Participants attend class sessions on leadership-related topics and shadow members of the hospital’s executive and leadership team. This year’s cohort visited Washington, DC, to explore the intersection of leadership, public policy, healthcare advocacy, and civic engagement, focusing on how federal decisions shape community care with the American Hospital Association. At the conclusion of the Academy, participants complete and present a capstone project that reflects the knowledge and insights gained throughout their Academy experience.
The 2026 program was facilitated by Jessica Arrington, Senior Director of Revenue Cycle; Sabrena Hemric, Manager of Hospitalists; Keith Moser, Director of Physician Practice Operations; and Christi Smiley, Vice President of Human Resources. The facilitators guided participants as they engaged in hospital tours, leadership meetings, and project-based learning.
“The Leadership Academy empowers participants to explore their potential, strengthen their skills, and lead with passion and purpose. We are proud of this year’s graduates and look forward to seeing their continued contributions to our hospital and community”, said Robin H. Hodgin, President & CEO at Northern Regional Hospital.
Since its inception, the Leadership Academy has graduated 52 Northern Regional employees, many of whom have gone on to take on expanded responsibilities within the organization.
