Cape Fear Valley Health has named Brian Pearce as president of Cape Fear Valley Harnett Healthcare, marking a new chapter of leadership for the healthcare organization serving Harnett County and surrounding communities.
Pearce succeeds Michael Tart, who recently transitioned into the role of chief operating officer for the Cape Fear Valley Health System. In his new position, Pearce will lead Cape Fear Valley Harnett Healthcare, which includes Betsy Johnson Hospital and Central Harnett Hospital.
Pearce brings 25 years of experience with Cape Fear Valley Health and a long history of leading projects that have expanded healthcare access and strengthened services across southeastern North Carolina. Known for his collaborative leadership style and focus on community-centered care, Pearce has played a key role in some of the organization’s most transformative growth initiatives.
Most recently serving as vice president of Operations and Development, Pearce helped establish the health system’s community paramedic program and air medical program, expanded cancer treatment services into Harnett County, and led the growth of imaging services throughout the region.
He also oversaw several major construction and expansion projects, including the 100-bed vertical expansion at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, the Medical Office Building at Central Harnett Hospital, the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine and the new Dorothea Dix Adolescent Behavioral Hospital in Lillington.
Among his most significant accomplishments was helping lead the development of the Center for Medical Education and Neuroscience, a landmark investment for both Cape Fear Valley Health and the region. The facility represented a major step forward in expanding advanced neurological care, physician education and workforce development in southeastern North Carolina. The project strengthened the health system’s ability to attract and train future healthcare professionals while bringing specialized neuroscience services closer to home for local patients and families. 
In his new role, Pearce will oversee operations and strategic growth for Cape Fear Valley Harnett Healthcare. He will also continue executive oversight of Cape Fear Valley Health’s Corporate Engineering and Public Safety departments.
For Pearce, the appointment is both professional and personal.
“I am honored and humbled to serve as President of Cape Fear Valley Harnett Healthcare,” Pearce said in a press release. “Throughout my career, I have been passionate about strengthening healthcare services, investing in our communities, and supporting the teams who make exceptional patient care possible every day. I look forward to working alongside our physicians, employees and community partners to build on Harnett Health’s strong foundation and continue expanding access, innovation and high-quality care for the patients and families we serve.”
Pearce earned an Engineering degree from North Carolina State University and an MBA from Fayetteville State University. He is a Fellow of both the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American College of Paramedic Executives.
The leadership announcement comes at an important time for Cape Fear Valley Harnett Healthcare as the region continues to experience rapid population growth and increasing demand for healthcare services.