Ocracoke Health Center Names Hyde County Native as CEO

Jamie Tunnell Carter to lead community health organization serving Ocracoke and surrounding areas.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Ocracoke Health Center Inc. has named Jamie Tunnell Carter, a Hyde County native, as the organization's next chief executive officer. Carter has been with Ocracoke Health Center since 2008, serving in various roles including front desk staff, billing manager, revenue cycle manager, and most recently as interim CEO since April 2025. The Ocracoke Health Center board of directors has now promoted Carter to the permanent CEO position.

Why it matters

Ocracoke Health Center is a critical community health organization providing primary care, pediatrics, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to over 3,000 patients across Hyde and Dare counties in North Carolina. The appointment of a local leader with deep ties to the community signals the organization's commitment to serving the unique needs of the region.

The details

Carter, who was born and raised in Swan Quarter and lived on Ocracoke for 15 years, has dedicated her career to federally qualified health centers and the critical role they play in serving underserved populations. She has represented the region in local, regional, and state forums and is committed to continuing to grow and expand services. As CEO, Carter plans to bring the values she learned growing up in the area, including integrity, honesty, and passion, into the organization's work and care.

  • In April 2025, Carter was appointed as interim CEO of Ocracoke Health Center.
  • On January 29, 2026, the Ocracoke Health Center board of directors promoted Carter to the permanent CEO position.

The players

Jamie Tunnell Carter

A Hyde County native who has been with Ocracoke Health Center since 2008, serving in various roles including front desk staff, billing manager, revenue cycle manager, and most recently as interim CEO since April 2025. She was promoted to the permanent CEO position on January 29, 2026.

Ocracoke Health Center, Inc.

A 501c3 nonprofit community health organization currently operating three primary care sites and 340B pharmacies in Engelhard, Ocracoke and Manteo, providing care to more than 3,000 patients across the service area.

Sue Pentz

The board chair of Ocracoke Health Center, Inc.

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What they’re saying

“I am bringing the values I learned growing up in this beautiful place into our workplace and reflecting them in the care we provide. My parents were strong influences, teaching me to be involved in our communities, schools, and churches, and to be a positive force for change. I hope my integrity, honesty, and passion are reflected in every aspect of the work I do.”

— Jamie Tunnell Carter, CEO, Ocracoke Health Center (ocracokeobserver.com)

“Jamie Carter has shown amazing leadership since being appointed Interim CEO in April 2025 and as a result on January 29, the board of directors has promoted her to CEO. Ms. Carter has been with our organization since 2008 and understands our mission of bringing quality, accessible, affordable community-based medical care to our communities. The board looks forward to Jamie's continued commitment of helping our communities.”

— Sue Pentz, Board Chair, Ocracoke Health Center (ocracokeobserver.com)

What’s next

Ocracoke Health Center plans to continue expanding services and growing its patient base across Hyde and Dare counties under Carter's leadership as the new CEO.

The takeaway

The appointment of a local leader with deep ties to the Ocracoke and Hyde County communities signals Ocracoke Health Center's commitment to providing quality, accessible, and affordable community-based healthcare to the region's underserved populations.