Stephen Lawler has over 40 years of experience in healthcare leadership, transformation, and organizational excellence, including leading and improving healthcare systems, bridging urban and rural healthcare delivery and fostering strategic partnerships to advance healthcare access and innovation. He previously served as CEO of the North Carolina Healthcare Association, and his prior career experiences include leading a 1,000-bed academic medical center, developing and driving initiatives to transform rural healthcare organizations, and serving as a U.S. Army officer.