Amy Treece
Happy with Pardee since 2018
Where are you from?
I’m from Hendersonville, NC. I was born at Pardee and am proud to be at least a sixth-generation Henderson County native.
What inspired you to join UNC Health Pardee?
I spent 22 years working for a local bank. It was a stable career with great benefits and plenty of holidays—but what I loved about it was building relationships with my customers. During my time in banking, they encouraged employees to get involved with local nonprofits. I chose to volunteer with the Pardee Foundation’s Women Helping Women committee. My grandmother was battling breast cancer at the time, and I felt a personal calling to support other women going through similar experiences.
From the moment I volunteered, I was hooked. Over the years, my involvement deepened, and I had the honor of co-chairing Women Helping Women for three years. In 2013, I was invited to join the Pardee Foundation Board.
One of the aspects I loved most about being on the Board was the monthly educational sessions, where a physician or department leader would share updates on new innovations at Pardee. I found these sessions so compelling that I’d often share what I learned with others in the community. I was, and still am, incredibly proud of the quality of care available right here in my hometown.
What truly inspired me, though, was the people at Pardee. There is a clear sense of calling among the staff—something you don’t often feel in the for-profit world.
One day, UNC Health Pardee’s CEO, Jay Kirby, approached me about a new position: Community & Government Relations Officer. It was a role I could shape from the ground up, and I was excited about the opportunity to help strengthen Pardee’s ties to the community.
Four years later, the Executive Director position at the Pardee Hospital Foundation , an organization so close to my heart—became available. I was fortunate to be selected, and I can honestly say that I’m living the dream. Every day, I get to work alongside passionate and dedicated individuals, while advocating for Pardee and helping to ensure its future through community support. It’s a privilege to serve an organization that means so much to so many.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
The Foundation team acts as community cheerleaders for Pardee by reaching out to potential donors, connecting with current supporters, working on marketing campaigns, and attending events. The Foundation is involved in nearly every project at Pardee that introduces new programs, enhances existing ones, or brings in new equipment.
I am currently focused on making connections in Transylvania County to support Pardee’s expansion in that community. It’s been a lot of fun meeting new people and sharing the Pardee story. Everyone has been so welcoming!
Can you share a memorable moment or experience that made you feel proud to be part of the UNC Health Pardee team?
The Hurricane Helene relief effort stands out the most. The day after the storm, Jay Kirby said, “we need to take care of our teammates.” I worked closely with the Foundation team and community partners to bring in supplies, funding, and other essential resources for teammates. Hearing the heartbreaking stories of loss and being able to offer support meant everything. It also reinforced how deeply our community cares about Pardee. We received support from at least 30 states, all from people who had ties to Hendersonville and Pardee. That is remarkable and not something many organizations have.
What do you appreciate most about the culture and community at UNC Health Pardee?
Having been through COVID and Hurricane Helene with Pardee, I’ve seen how the leadership prioritizes community needs above financial concerns. The care that our teammates extend to our patients is also extended to each other. We are fortunate to have that here.
What is a surprising fact about yourself?
I started playing the banjo as a teenager and took lessons on and off for about 20 years. I chose the banjo because, at the time, bluegrass wasn’t as popular as it is now, and I wanted to play something unique. Unfortunately, I don’t practice much, so it usually sounds like I’m just starting to learn every time I pick it up!
