Ocracoke Health Center Inc. has named Jamie Tunnell Carter as the organization’s next chief executive officer.
Carter, a Hyde County native, has been with Ocracoke Health Center since 2008, serving in several roles including front desk staff, billing manager, revenue cycle manager, and other key team leadership positions, the organization said in a press release.
She is a certified professional coder (CPC) and most recently she has served as interim CEO since April 2025.
Carter was born and raised in Swan Quarter, attended Mattamuskeet School, and lived on Ocracoke for 15 years.
She served as the Hyde County public information officer and was a member of the Deputy Control Group for Ocracoke during many adverse weather events.
She understands both the unique challenges and the beauty of Hyde County and takes great pride in her roots there.
“I am bringing the values I learned growing up in this beautiful place into our workplace and reflecting them in the care we provide,” said Carter. “My parents were strong influences, teaching me to be involved in our communities, schools, and churches, and to be a positive force for change. I hope my integrity, honesty, and passion are reflected in every aspect of the work I do.”
After earning a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and professional communications from Meredith College in 2002, Carter returned to Ocracoke.
A few years later, she joined the Ocracoke Health Center team at the front desk, working under longtime former CEO Cheryl Ballance until her retirement in 2021.
In addition to her education and training, Carter has dedicated her career to federally qualified health centers and the critical role they play in serving underserved populations.
She has represented the region in local, regional, and state forums and workgroups and is committed to continuing to grow and expand services in Hyde and Dare counties.
“Jamie Carter has shown amazing leadership since being appointed Interim CEO in April 2025 and as a result on January 29, the board of directors has promoted her to CEO,” said Sue Pentz, board chair. “Ms. Carter has been with our organization since 2008 and understands our mission of bringing quality, accessible, affordable community-based medical care to our communities. The board looks forward to Jamie’s continued commitment of helping our communities.”
Ocracoke Health Center, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit currently operating three primary care sites and 340B pharmacies in Engelhard, Ocracoke and Manteo, providing care to more than 3,000 patients across the service area.
Services include primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, 340B pharmacy services and coordinated referrals for specialty care such as dental and radiology.
For health center information, visit www.ocracokehealthcenter.org.
