Former FirstHealth president receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine

ROCKINGHAM — John Jackson, former president of FirstHealth of the Carolinas’ southern region and administrator of FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital-Richmond, was surprised with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine at his retirement celebration on Wednesday.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is the highest honor awarded by the Governor’s Office, and its recipients are chosen by Governor Roy Cooper himself. The award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through exemplary service.

“I can never do enough for this community that would compare to what this community has done for me,” Jackson said, recalling a surprise baby shower that administrative staff threw for him and how community members brought him dinner for two weeks after the birth of a child.

Jackson began his career as a consultant in 1984, where he first worked with the hospital he would later become president of. It was during this time that Jackson “fell in love” with Richmond County. Over his 40 year career spanning from Houston to Charlotte to Pinehurst, about 32 years of his career were involved with FirstHealth in various capacities.

“I never would have dreamed, that as a 22-year-old coming down from Pennsylvania, that I could ever be considered [for the Long Leaf Pine],” Jackson said.

In 1999, Jackson oversaw the acquisition of Richmond Memorial Hospital by FirstHealth of the Carolinas.

Former Rockingham mayor and President of Quality Oil Company Gene McLaurin presented the honor to Jackson on behalf of Governor Cooper. Letters of recommendation for the award were submitted to the Governor’s Office by McLaurin, Richmond Community College President Dr. Dale McInnis and Dr. John Stevenson.

In McLaurin’s letter of recommendation, he wrote that during his time in public office, Jackson is the type of leader to whom others are drawn, yet he doesn’t seek recognition.

“John has worked tirelessly to build positive relationships with the business community, elected officials, local foundations, nonprofit organizations and the public at large,” McLaurin wrote. “Truly an example of a servant leader, John Jackson has helped make this region of NC a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

McInnis attested to Jackson’s support of students in Richmond County and his integral involvement with creating a nursing simulation lab at FirstHealth.

“I have seen first-hand how John led his institution to become a premier rural hospital,” McInnis wrote. “His professional expertise is only exceeded by his care and compassion for his patients and employees.”

Stevenson cited Jackson’s civic involvement with such organizations as the Richmond County Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Rotary Club and many more.

“I have seen John resolve conflicts and handle other difficult situations with remarkable patience and tact,” Stevenson wrote. “He understands the goals and purposes of quality patient health care more than others.”

Jackson said that the reason he’s been so involved with healthcare is that he’s seen the tremendous impact that a hospital can have on a community.

“I’ve always wanted to do whatever I can to help and make it a better place,” Jackson said.

The prestigious award remained a surprise to Jackson up until McLaurin presented the award. Jackson said he was shocked, and that it was a “fantastic surprise.”

Jackson’s retirement will be official on Feb. 18. Coming into the role of president of FirstHealth’s southern region and administrator of FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital-Richmond is Christy Land, MSN, R.N., who was previously the administrative director of clinical performance at the hospital.