Mr. Chris Lumsden

Chris A. Lumsden served as President and CEO of Northern Regional Hospital (NRH) from July 2018 until his retirement in December 2024.

Under Lumsden’s leadership, NRH achieved several significant milestones, including being named a Top 100 Community Hospital in the United States, receiving a 5-Star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and being named a Best Places to Work by the Triad Business  Journal four straight years. Key accomplishments included the introduction of a new hospital name, logo, and tagline, recruitment of 50 doctors and providers, and launch of NRH’s first Urgent Care Center. Additionally, he oversaw the opening of a new on-campus 25,000 square foot Medical Office Building and the Family Medicine practice in Dobson to better serve the region. He championed the implementation of a new Electronic Medical Record system, employee educational assistance program, multiple scholarship programs to support the workforce, and helped NRH secure $28 million in North Carolina state grants.

Before his tenure at NRH, Lumsden served for 30 years as the CEO and Administrator of Halifax Regional Health System, which encompassed over 1,200 employees and 130 physicians. Lumsden helped lead the organization to achieve numerous awards for patient safety, quality of care, and employee satisfaction, cementing his reputation as a national leader in healthcare administration.

Lumsden is a native of Roanoke, Virginia and graduated with honors from Bridgewater College. He received his master’s degree with honors from George Washington University. Lumsden is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator in both Virginia and North Carolina and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He has chaired multiple local and state-wide healthcare, higher education, and economic development Boards in Virginia and North Carolina. Lumsden has received numerous distinguished leadership and community service awards during his career. In 2020, he was named one of the Top 20 Most Admired CEOs by the Triad Business Journal.

Lumsden enjoys basketball and outdoor activities and is a private pilot. He is married to Linda, his partner of 44 years, and they have two children and a four-month old grandson.

Professional Service and Recognition

• Past Board Member American Hospital Association – Representing Rural Hospitals
• Past Chairman North Carolina Worker’s Compensation Fund Board of Directors
• Past Chairman Mountain Valley Hospice Board of Directors
• Recipient Chris A. Lumsden Leadership Academy (renamed in his honor)
• Recipient Pinnacle Award – by the NCCCS (with Surry Community College)
• Licensed Nursing Home Administrator – North Carolina and Virginia
• Lifetime Fellow American College of Healthcare Executives
• Past Chairman Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA) Board of Directors 
• Recipient VHHA’s Stuart D. Ogren Award (Administrator of the Year)
• Recipient Chamber of Commerce`s Businessperson of the Year
• Recipient Bridgewater College’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award
• Recipient VHHA’s Distinguished Service Award – its highest recognition
• Recipient NCHA’s Lifetime Membership and Achievement Award

Community Service and Recognition

• Member State Board of Community Colleges – North Carolina
• Past Chairman Greater Mount Airy Chamber Board of Directors
• Co-Chairman Surry County Economic Development Partnership $1M Fundraiser
• Recipient AHA and NCHA Legislative Champion of the Year
• Recipient North Carolina Legislature Commendation for Outstanding Service
• Recipient “Good Scout” of the Year – Scouting America – NC Old Hickory Council
• Recipient The “Caduceus Leadership Award” – International HOSA by NC
• Past Chairman Virginia Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors
• Past Chairman Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Board of Trustees
• Founding Chairman VCCS Foundation for Community Colleges Board of Directors
• Founding Chairman Southern Virginia Educational Foundation Board of Directors
• Founding Member Southern Virginia Higher Education Center Board of Trustees
• Recipient Honorary Degree – Southside Virginia Community College
• Recipient Chris A. Lumsden Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship