HRMC Chief Medical Officer Expands Leadership Across Region

Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC), a Duke LifePoint hospital, announced today that Alfred A. Mina, MD, FACS, will expand his role as chief medical officer (CMO) to include Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, effective June 1, 2025. Having served as CMO at HRMC since August 2023, Mina will now provide clinical leadership across all three hospitals in the region.

Mina is an accomplished rural surgeon and physician leader with more than 20 years of experience in clinical practice, hospital administration, and medical education. During his tenure as CMO at HRMC, he has led meaningful advancements in patient care, with a strong focus on safety, quality, and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery.

“Dr. Mina’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing the quality of care at Haywood Regional Medical Center, and we are confident that his expanded role across Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals will further strengthen our commitment to providing exceptional healthcare to the communities we serve throughout our region,” said HRMC CEO and market president Sue Shugart.

In his role as CMO at Haywood, Mina has prioritized enhancing patient safety protocols, improving operational efficiencies, and ensuring that the hospital continues to meet the needs of the community it serves. He has collaborated closely with hospital leadership, including the CEO, CNO, and other key stakeholders, to promote quality care for patients and a positive work environment for healthcare providers. His leadership has been recognized with several accolades, including the 2017 and 2018 Duke LifePoint High Five Award, which is presented to individuals who exemplify the highest standards in patient care, workplace culture, community leadership, and fiscal responsibility.

Mina's dedication to healthcare excellence extends beyond clinical operations. He plays a key role in medical education, serving as the site director for the PGY 3 MAHEC surgery residency program and for the UNC School of Medicine’s Asheville campus. His commitment to mentoring future physicians was recognized in 2024 with the UNC School of Medicine Rural Teaching Award, an honor given to faculty who make exceptional contributions to rural medical education.

"I am honored to expand my role to include Harris Regional and Swain Community hospitals," said Mina. "All three of our hospitals are vital to the healthcare infrastructure of western North Carolina, and I am excited to support their ongoing growth and success."

In addition to his role as CMO, Mina is actively involved in several leadership capacities both within the hospital and the community. He serves on critical hospital committees, including the Surgical Case Review Committee, Surgical Oversight Committee, and Bylaws Committee. Mina is also a key participant in the Commission on Cancer accreditation process and has led initiatives aimed at enhancing cancer care services at the hospital.

“Dr. Mina’s vision and experience make him an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” said Ashley Hindman, chief executive officer for Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals. “His commitment to improving patient care and his collaborative approach will be key in further elevating the services we provide to our patients and their families at Harris and Swain.”

Mina’s leadership in patient safety, quality improvement, and medical education, along with his deep understanding of rural healthcare, positions him to successfully oversee clinical operations across all three hospitals. In this expanded role, he will work closely with hospital leadership to align care delivery, support provider development, and maintain high standards of care.

“Dr. Mina’s leadership and collaborative approach will be invaluable as we continue to provide the highest quality care for our patients,” said Brad McAbee, MD, chief of staff for Harris Regional and Swain Community Hospitals. “I look forward to working closely with him to further strengthen our medical staff and improve patient outcomes across all three hospitals.”

Mina’s efforts will also advance the integration of services across the region, supporting the hospitals’ shared mission of making communities healthier through greater access to high-quality care close to home.