Chief Legal Officer at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System – Boone, North Carolina

Chief Legal Officer (CLO)

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Executive Leadership | Full-Time

Why You’ll Love Working Here

As the Chief Legal Officer at UNC Health Appalachian, you’ll serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and the Board, helping guide a mission-driven healthcare system through complex legal, regulatory, and operational matters. You’ll play a critical role in shaping strategy, protecting the organization, and supporting high-quality, patient-centered care across our hospitals, clinics, and services.

Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone offers an exceptional quality of life with a strong sense of community, access to outdoor recreation, and a collaborative, values-driven workplace culture.

Compensation: Competitive executive salary, commensurate with experience, education, and internal equity.
Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; paid parental leave; tuition assistance; wellness incentives; and employee discounts.

What You’ll Do as Chief Legal Officer

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Chief Legal Officer is responsible for providing strategic legal counsel and oversight across all aspects of the organization. Key responsibilities include:

• Serve as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors.
• Oversee all legal matters including healthcare regulatory compliance, risk management, corporate governance, contracts, litigation, and employment law.
• Provide leadership and direction for legal strategy aligned with organizational goals, patient safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel, regulatory agencies, and government entities.
• Advise on complex transactions, affiliations, mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures as applicable.
• Support compliance with federal, state, and local healthcare laws and regulations, including CMS, HIPAA, EMTALA, Stark Law, and Anti-Kickback Statute.
• Partner closely with Human Resources, Compliance, Risk Management, and Clinical Leadership on employee relations, investigations, and policy development.
• Promote a culture of ethics, integrity, and accountability throughout the organization.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in North Carolina or ability to obtain licensure promptly.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive legal experience, with significant experience in healthcare law strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience advising executive leadership and governing boards.
• Strong knowledge of healthcare regulatory frameworks, employment law, and risk management.
• Proven ability to lead through influence, exercise sound judgment, and manage complex, high-risk issues.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Physical & Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular interaction across hospital and clinical environments.
• Occasional travel to system locations, meetings, or regulatory engagements.
• Work may involve time-sensitive matters requiring flexibility beyond standard business hours.

What Sets Us Apart

• Executive Impact: This role provides direct influence on organizational strategy, governance, and long-term success.
• Mission-Driven Care: UNC Health Appalachian serves multiple community hospitals, specialty centers, and clinics with a deep commitment to patient safety and access to care.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside engaged leaders who value partnership, transparency, and ethical decision-making.
• Community & Lifestyle: Boone consistently ranks among the best small towns in America, offering exceptional lifestyle balance.

Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian and make a lasting impact on patients, families, and the community we proudly serve.