CCH Announces Leadership Transformation

Central Carolina Hospital announced today the permanent appointment of two notable members of the hospital’s leadership team. Dave Santoemma has been named chief executive officer (CEO), with Connette Gill at the helm of nursing operations as chief nursing officer (CNO). Previously holding their positions in an interim capacity, Santoemma and Gill are set to assume their permanent roles April 1.

A diverse leader with over 19 years of healthcare experience, Santoemma joins Central Carolina from Starr Regional Medical Center in Athens, Tennessee, where he was the chief operating officer. Prior to his leadership at Starr, Santoemma served as the associate administrator at Saline Health System in Benton, Arkansas. With his consistent track record of operational excellence, ethical leadership, and a deep commitment to healthcare innovation and community engagement, Santoemma brings a vision and expectation for increasing access to quality patient care to the Sanford and surrounding communities. 

Similarly, Gill brings over 23 years of nursing leadership and excellence with a strong commitment to patient care. Previously serving as assistant chief nursing officer and director of cardiovascular ICU at Frye Regional Hospital in Hickory, North Carolina, Gill made impactful contributions as part of the Lifepoint Health CNO leadership academy. She was pivotal in enhancing patient care transitions, evidenced by her role in improving major patient satisfaction scores and metrics through staff education and leadership support. Gill led critical initiatives in drug diversion, operational efficiency and healthcare disparities, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining and expecting high standards of care and compliance. Gill’s significant contributions and focus on patient care demonstrates her leadership and commitment to quality care, close to home.

“We are excited to welcome both Dave and Connette into their new roles at Central Carolina Hospital,” said Elmer Polite, Eastern Division President of Lifepoint Health. “Collectively, Dave and Connette bring over 42 years of diverse experience and a thorough comprehension and understanding of healthcare operations and nursing leadership. We are confident in both Dave and Connette’s ability to lead Central Carolina Hospital, ensuring the priorities of our patients, staff and providers remain paramount.”

Santoemma earned a master’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. He is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety, a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a graduate of the Lifepoint Health Executive Fellows Program.

Gill holds a master’s degree in nursing from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, a master’s degree in business administration, healthcare leadership from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah, and earned a post master’s certificate in healthcare administration from Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. She is a Certified Professional in Patient Care, Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator and a board-certified nurse executive.

When asked about the community impact of welcoming two pivotal leaders to the hospital, Santoemma shared, “Central Carolina Hospital stands as a cornerstone of the Sanford community, and I am eager to collaborate with the team to foster growth, enhance our services, and guarantee the exceptional care our community deserves." Gill added, "While we continue to navigate the shifting healthcare environment and industry trends, I am excited to become an active and meaningful part this hospital and community, alongside Dave and the rest of the leadership team, in our pursuit to create places where people choose to come for healthcare, physicians and providers want to practice, and employees want to work.”