UNC Health Blue Ridge Welcomes Ann Pohl as Chief Nursing Officer
MORGANTON, N.C. (January 10, 2025) – UNC Health Blue Ridge is pleased to announce that Ann Pohl, DNP, MSN, BSN of Lima, OH will be joining the organization as its new Chief Nursing Officer in March 2025.
Pohl brings more than 30 years of clinical healthcare experience and over 25 years of nursing leadership to her new role. Since 2011, she has served as the CNO of Lima Memorial Health System, a 328-bed hospital system in northwest Ohio with 1,700 employees and 200 providers, serving a 10-county area.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ann to UNC Health Blue Ridge,” said Gary Paxson, President and CEO of UNC Health Blue Ridge. “Her wealth of experience in nursing and healthcare operations, combined with her commitment to patient safety and fostering collaboration, will be invaluable to our organization and the communities we serve.”
Pohl holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Quinnipiac University, a Master of Science in Nursing from Drexel University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bowling Green University. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong focus on improving patient outcomes and empowering teams through innovative leadership and governance structures.
“I am excited to join UNC Health Blue Ridge and be part of the exceptional One Great Team,” said Pohl. “This is an opportunity to build strong relationships across the organization and empower staff to make meaningful decisions that positively impact patient care.”
Originally from Maryland, Pohl’s family relocated to the St. Mary’s, OH, area, where she began her healthcare career as a respiratory therapist before transitioning into nursing. She is looking forward to relocating to North Carolina, where she has family in the Pinehurst area. Pohl is married and has three adult daughters.
UNC Health Blue Ridge extends its gratitude to Carol Ervin for her dedication and service as interim CNO and looks forward to the leadership and expertise Ann Pohl will bring to the team.
