Eastern AHEC | Employer Collaborative
The Eastern AHEC Employer Collaborative was formed as part of the NC Health Talent Alliance – NC Chamber initiative to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in North Carolina. This collaborative is dedicated to transforming a statewide challenge into actionable regional goals, with the aim of creating sustainable solutions for our healthcare talent shortages.
The collaborative will use regional data provided by the SHEPS Center to focus on developing and implementing strategies that address the recruitment, training, retention, and well-being of healthcare professionals across our twenty-three-county region. By working together, we are committed to strengthening the talent pipeline that is vital to the future of healthcare in our region.
Building the Healthcare Workforce of Tomorrow – Together
Eastern AHEC’s Regional Healthcare Employer Collaborative is the trusted hub where healthcare leaders across Eastern North Carolina come together to address workforce challenges, align training with industry needs, and build innovative solutions for a resilient, future-ready talent pipeline.
Why Partner with Eastern AHEC?
Eastern AHEC is the convener of the region’s most impactful healthcare employer collaborative. We leverage our unique position at the intersection of healthcare, education, and workforce development to unite industry voices and drive change.
Together, we:
- – Identify workforce pain points and critical skills gaps
- – Co-design sustainable talent pipelines
- – Build strategic partnerships with educators and training providers
- – Advocate for policy and funding solutions
Our Strategic Pillars
- Workforce Advancement – Supporting, retaining, and upskilling the existing health workforce
- Talent Pipeline Development – Creating pathways from education to employment across the region
- Regional Collaboration – Building strong partnerships with healthcare providers, educators, and stakeholders
- Innovation & Impact – Leading forward-thinking solutions to healthcare workforce challenges
Join the Collaborative
We are currently welcoming healthcare systems, hospitals, long-term care providers, mental health agencies, home health organizations, and more to join our regional partnership. Your voice matters, and your leadership is essential.
Benefits of Joining:
- – Influence training program development
- – Access real-time workforce data
- – Shape recruitment strategies and initiatives
- – Network with peers and build long-term collaborations
Contact Us
Ready to get involved?
- We have Two Regional Pipeline Managers covering our twenty-three counties.

| Southeastern AHEC Counties: PURPLE | Northeastern Counties: GREEN |
|---|---|
| Kathy Russell, M.Ed. | Bryan L Spence, MBA |
| Regional Talent Pipeline Manager Eastern Area Health Education Center easternahec.tpm@gmail.com 252-646-3559 |
Regional Talent Pipeline Manager Eastern Area Health Education Center spenceb24@ecu.edu 757-650-5481 |