Get to know the NCMS!
You can find contact information within each staff listing—simply click on a photo or name to learn more about the team member and how to get in touch.
If you have specific questions and are not sure with whom to speak, please visit our Contact Us page.
Executive Team
Steve Keene, JD, MBA - CEO/Executive Vice President
Email Steve Phn: (919) 833-3836 x. 5262
Steve worked for NCMS for 27 years (1994-2021) before taking on a variety of roles at Carolina Complete Health Network (CCHN). Steve led the government affairs team at NCMS from 1994-2009. From 2013 until leaving NCMS in 2021, Steve worked with a team on the development of a joint venture between NCMS, the North Carolina Community Health Center Association (NCCHCA), and Centene, which now owns Carolina Complete Health (CCH), the only Provider-Led Entity in North Carolina Medicaid. Today, NCMS owns half of CCHN, a network services company that owns twenty percent of CCH and works exclusively to support the health services network for CCH’s product lines, including Medicaid, Tailored Plans, and the Ambetter Marketplace product. The partnership with Centene and NCCHCA is an important part of the NCMS enterprise and provides physicians—and others seeking to improve the health system—with an opportunity to accelerate positive change.Steve Keene, JD, MBA
CEO/Executive Vice President
Larry Crawford - Chief Financial Officer
With the NCMS since 2023
Email Larry Direct: (919) 833-3836 x. 5259
Larry is a North Carolina licensed CPA and received his BS degree from the Pennsylvania State University and an MBA in Finance from the Lubin School of Business at Pace University. He began his career in finance and accounting with Price Waterhouse Coopers as an auditor with clients including Stamford Hospital, Fairfield University and the Herbert Hoover Foundation. In the healthcare sector, he served as Interim Accounting Manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC during a financial reorganization that included the roll out of the Healthy Blue initiative. He also served as Associate Chief Finance Director for the Medicaid Division of North Carolina DHHS and as Associate CFO for the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts. Prior to his current position at NCMS, he worked as a Contract Finance Manager for the NCMS Foundation in the administration of the Covid Financial Recovery Program (FRP) and for the NCMS in state appropriated grants. Larry enjoys outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, occasional golf, and deep-sea fishing off the Carolina coast. He is a New Jersey transplant, living in Cary with his wife, Connie since 2013. They enjoy trips to visit their five daughters and their families whenever possible.Larry Crawford
Chief Financial Officer
Ashley Rodriguez, JD - Chief Legal Officer
Started with the NCMS in 2019
Email Ashley Phn: (919) 833-3836 x. 4171
Ashley’s roots run deep in North Carolina. She grew up in Mount Olive and goes home often to visit her parents, who both are upper level administrators at the University of Mount Olive. After earning her undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington and her law degree at Campbell University, Ashley gained valuable experience as a medical malpractice defense attorney. Ultimately, however, she decided that public policy was a better fit and moved on to the North Carolina Division of Public Health as a legal consultant for the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
She and her husband, Orlando, also an attorney (they met at law school), consider themselves ‘amateur policy wonks’ and love debating the issues. Ashley spends every spare moment with her young daughter and enjoying family time boating on the Pamlico River.
Ashley Rodriguez, JD
Chief Legal Officer
John Thompson - Chief Strategy Officer
With the NCMS since 2023
Email John Phn: (919) 833-3836 x. 4169
In his role as CSO, Thompson directs NCMS engagement in state legislative matters and activities, as well as works with our stakeholder organizations and individuals to advance the Society’s priorities. Before joining the NCMS, Thompson served as the Vice President of Government Relations for the North Carolina Healthcare Association where he led advocacy efforts before the North Carolina legislature. He secured a multi-billion dollar Directed Payment Plan (HASP) for hospitals, helped negotiate Certificate of Public Need reform, and was successfully involved in negotiation on Medicaid expansion. Prior to that, Thompson owned the public policy consulting firm, The Paratum Group in Raleigh and was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Brag for 5 years. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University.
John Thompson
Chief Strategy Officer
NCMS Staff
Kizzy Brown - Manager, NCMS Foundation Financial Operations
With the NCMS since 2022
Phn: (919) 833-3836 x. 5256
Kizzy Brown
Manager, NCMS Foundation Financial Operations
Emma Kate Burns - Manager, Health Policy
With the NCMS since 2022
Email Emma Kate Phn: (919) 833-3836 x. 5263
Emma Kate was born and raised in birthplace of the Wright Brothers, Dayton, Ohio. In her home state she earned a BA in Public Management, Leadership, and Policy from The Ohio State University, with a specialization in Non-Profit Management. During her undergraduate career, Emma Kate had the pleasure of interning for a member of Canada’s Parliament as well as at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars in Washington, DC. After a senior year cut short by the global pandemic, Emma Kate moved across the country to Winston-Salem, NC, starting her professional career as Shared Government Affairs director for NC REALTORS®.
When not at NCMS you’ll often find Emma Kate reading fiction, creating digital or traditional artwork, baking bread, or watching Buckeye football with her husband, Matt and their corgi, Kingsley.
Pictured at right: Emma Kate and her husband Matt on their wedding day at Graylyn Estate, October 8, 2023
Emma Kate Burns
Manager, Health Policy
Katherine Croom - Director, Financial Operations
With the NCMS since 2014
Email Katherine Direct: (919) 833-3836 x. 5243
Before arriving at NCMS, Katherine served as an accountant at the NC Central Office of Child Support and as a Fiscal Manager at NC State University - Office of Contracts and Grants. Katherine holds a BS in Accounting from Strayer University and is currently pursuing her MS in Accounting.
She grew up in Kinston, NC where her parents & grandmother still reside. Katherine’s interests are fitness, traveling, baking, and most importantly - quality time with her two adult children, family, and close friends.
Katherine's take: "Family Time is the Best Time - Capture every moment, especially the silly ones"
Katherine Croom
Director, Financial Operations
Jackie Davis-Jones - Manager, Member Database
With the NCMS since 2007
Email Jackie Direct: (919) 833-3836 x. 4179
Originally from Washington, DC, Jackie moved to Raleigh in her teens. She has worked as a credentialing analyst and is a published author with Life Changing Book Publishing Company. She enjoys writing, reading, shopping and watching football. She’s the proud mother of North Carolina Central University class of 2014 basketball star point guard Emanuel “Poobie” Chapman, III. Jackie enjoys time with her husband, Cleveland Jones, Jr., and if she had long weekend you’d find her someplace tropical.
Jackie Davis-Jones
Manager, Member Database
Toni Hill - Director, Marketing & Communications
With the NCMS since 2021
Phn: (919) 833-3836 x. 5240
Toni grew up in the beautiful mountains in Telluride, CO, returning there to work for a few years after completing her BA in Business Administration at the University of San Francisco. Never one to shy away from new things or adventure, Toni made the decision at the beginning of the pandemic to climb in her truck, drive across the country and move to Raleigh to begin a new chapter of her life -- and to be closer to her twin brother/best friend, Keith, and her mother who had been living in the area since 2019. Toni's father, who originally hails from England, remains in Colorado where he owns a coffee roastery, an endeavor that has left its mark on Toni who declares that she is an unabashed "coffee snob."
When Toni is not at the NCMS, she can often be found pursuing her love of adventure with her friends -- hiking, biking, and skiing or seeking out the new trendy and hip restaurants.
Toni Hill
Director, Marketing & Communications
Jenni Hines - Manager, Payer & Practice Engagement
With the NCMS since 2024
Email Jenni Direct: (919) 833-3836 x. 5251
While not native to the state, Jenni grew up in western North Carolina and is a proud graduate from UNC Chapel Hill. She has spent her career advocating for physicians and physician practices from the NCMS to the AMA and back, making a stop along the way in Atlanta to live in the wonderful world of Epic’s electronic health record. Jenni lives in Apex with her husband, Curtis, in their Tar Heel/Wolfpack house divided. She has two stepsons (Cory and Evan), a daughter (Anna) and a son (David).Jenni Hines
Manager, Payer & Practice Engagement
Pam Highsmith, MEd, CFRE - Vice President, Membership & Communications
With the NCMS for 20 years
Email Pam Cell: (919) 830-4127 Direct: (919) 833-3836 x. 5246
Born and raised in Burgaw, NC, Pam earned her BA in Education at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and her M.Ed. at The Citadel. She taught English for six years and was the Executive Director of the Alice Aycock Poe Center for Health Education and a hospice administrator. Pam also has experience as a lifeguard, a bank teller and is handy with a skill saw. When she is not spending time with her large extended family, which includes three siblings and their spouses, 11 nieces and nephews and 20 great nieces and nephews and counting, you’ll likely find Pam swimming, biking, running or cheering on the Tar Heels.
Pam Highsmith, MEd, CFRE
Vice President, Membership & Communications
Mary Kathryn Kimray - Executive Assistant
With the NCMS since 2024
Email Mary Kathryn | Direct: (919) 833-3836 x. 4170
Mary Kathryn is a native of Wake Forest, and lives there with her husband (Joe), daughter (Eleanor), and spunky rescue dog (Hazel). She received her BA in child development from Peace College, and her Master of Healthcare Administration from UNCW. Her healthcare career journey started in a private pediatric ophthalmologist office, before transitioning to WakeMed Health and Hospitals. After more than a decade there, she is very excited to join the NCMS team. While she doesn’t have much of it – she spends her spare time traveling, reading, singing Taylor Swift songs, and going with her family to any and all things related to NC State.
Mary Kathryn Kimray
Executive Assistant
Rokita Pitts-Franklin - Front Desk Coordinator
With the NCMS since 2021
Email Rokita Direct: (919) 865-5248
Rokita was born and raised in Syracuse, NY, and attended Syracuse University. To escape the beautiful but long and cold winters of NY state, she relocated to Raleigh in 2019 with her husband. She enjoys traveling, reading/listening to books, watching movies (action, thrillers, and historically based), shopping and spending time with her family.Rokita Pitts-Franklin
Front Desk Coordinator
Beth Remhof - Manager, Data Analytics
With the NCMS since 2019
Email Beth Phn: (919) 833-3836 x 5253
Beth grew up near Chicago, later relocating to Ohio where she spent the next 20 years. While in Ohio, she attended the University of Dayton where she received her bachelor's and master's degrees. Before joining the NCMS, she worked in the Advancement Division at the University of Dayton, which introduced her to the world of nonprofit fundraising and donor relations. A job transfer brought her family to North Carolina in 2016.
Aside from her day job of analyzing membership data for the NCMS, you can probably find Beth with knitting needles and yarn in hand, or, as she explains, "If I’m sitting still, I’m usually knitting." A true enthusiast, Beth serves on the leadership team for the Ol’ North State Knitting Guild in Raleigh. Her other passion that she shares with her family – husband Kevin, daughter Allison, and son Daniel – is a love amusement parks and rollercoasters. They have visited 50+ amusement parks and have been on over 300 different rollercoasters in the eastern half of the US and Canada. The family looks forward to expanding west in the years to come.
Beth Remhof
Manager, Data Analytics
Hannah Rice - Director, Legislative Affairs
With the NCMS since 2022
Email Hannah Direct: (919) 833-3836 x. 4162
Hannah was born in Wilmington, North Carolina and earned her BA in History and minors in Political Science and Criminal Justice from UNC Charlotte. During her undergraduate career, Hannah worked on a Governor’s campaign, interned for a United States Congressman, and interned for a public health initiative in Cabarrus County, Smart Girls Know. Since graduating, she has worked in various fundraising roles as the Political Fundraising Manager for the North Carolina REALTORS® and Distinguished Events Coordinator for the American Cancer Society. In her free time, Hannah enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, watching baseball or football, and traveling with her husband and dog.
Most recently, Hannah and her husband spent Christmas and New Year’s in Europe!
Hannah Rice
Director, Legislative Affairs
Frank Snyder, MS, CIC, CRM - Director, Membership
With the NCMS since 2018
Cell: (704) 877-2024
Phn: (919) 833-3836 x. 5242
No stranger to the medical community in North Carolina, Frank joined the NCMS as Director of Member Services in 2018 after more than 15 years in the medical liability insurance field. Originally from Atlanta, GA, Frank graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS in psychology and since coming to NCMS has completed his MS in Health Informatics and Information Management from East Carolina University. When he’s not on the road for business, enjoying the outdoors or watching college sports, you’ll likely find Frank at home in Emerald Isle with his wife, Gayle or spending time with his grandchildren.
Frank Snyder, MS, CIC, CRM
Director, Membership
Kelly Wilson - Director, Business Operations
With the NCMS since 1993
Email Kelly Direct: (919) 833-3836 x. 5249
Kelly was born in Indiana but spent a good bit of her childhood in Ontario, Canada. This may explain her affinity for hockey – she loves the Carolina Hurricanes. When she’s not at a ‘Canes game, doing yard work, reading or hanging out with her poodle, Carbon, you’ll most likely find Kelly spending time with her daughter, Bailey, and Bailey's husband, Josh, in Wilmington.
Kelly Wilson
Director, Business Operations
NCMS Foundation Staff
Lisa Mwaikambo, MPH - Program Manager, North Carolina Clinician & Physician Retention and Well-being Consortium (NCCPRW)
With the NCMS since 2025
Phn: (919) 833-3836 x. 4164
Lisa brings more than 15 years of experience in program leadership, professional development, and workforce well-being to her role as Program Manager of NCCPRW. She leads initiatives that support the retention and resilience of North Carolina’s clinician and physician workforce through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and educational programming. Before joining NCMS, Lisa served as Senior Program Officer II and Knowledge Management & Learning Technical Lead at the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, where she directed global capacity-strengthening efforts across 45 countries and supported health workforce resilience through training and digital learning solutions. She holds a Master of Public Health from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Wooster in Ohio.Lisa Mwaikambo, MPH
Program Manager, NCCPRW
Erica Neal, CHW-I, MT - Manager, Professional Growth
With the NCMS since 2022
Email Erica Phn: (919) 833-3836 x. 4168
Erica was born in eastern NC and received her BS in Health Education from North Carolina Central University. She has over 18 years of public health experience specifically in curriculum development, chronic disease self-management, behavior modification strategies, and patient education. She has served as an adjunct instructor at Durham Technical Community College and a Master Trainer for the NC Standardized Core Competency Training for Community Health Workers and instructors since 2017. In her free time, you’ll find her with her husband, Dale, enjoying the NC mountains and beaches.
Erica Neal, CHW-I,MT
Manager, Professional Growth
Monecia R. Thomas, PhD, MHA
Vice President, Professional Growth
Executive Director, NC Clinician and Physician Retention and Well-being Consortium
With the NCMS since 2024
Direct: (919) 719-4166
As Vice President of Professional Growth, Monecia leads NCMS strategy to stimulate health system environmental changes to improve the daily lives of its members through the North Carolina Clinician & Physician Retention & Wellbeing Consortium (NCCPRW) and grows the next generation of NC leaders by providing programming under the umbrella of the Kanof Institute for Physician Leadership (KIPL). Previously, Monecia served as Associate Director for the Clinician Leadership in Quality and Safety program and Senior Quality and Organizational Excellence Leader at UNC Health. Prior to her work at UNC Health, she served as a County Health Director, the Senior State Accreditation Coordinator for the NCLHDA program, and a Director within the NC Institute for Public Health. Monecia earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science Education-Biology from NC State University, a Master of Healthcare Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill, and a PhD in Leadership from North Carolina A&T State University.Monecia R. Thomas, PhD, MHA
Vice President, Professional Growth
Executive Director, NCCPRW
Franklin Walker, MBA - Vice President, Solutions
Executive Director, Community Practitioner Program
Executive Director, Project OBOT NC
Executive Director, Our Community Health Initiative (OCHI)
With the NCMS since 2010
Cell: (919) 280-4334
Phn: (919) 833-3836 x. 5250
Franklin earned his BA at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and his MBA at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH. Prior to his position at the NCMS, Franklin has been a restaurateur, the CEO of a medical/surgical practice, a health care consultant and on the faculty of UNC’s School of Public Health. Franklin enjoys boating, travel and reading. Born and raised in Chapel Hill, Franklin, his wife, Melanie, and teenage sons, Trey and Paul, and poodle, Fitzgerald, live in Raleigh.
Franklin Walker, MBA
Vice President, Solutions
Association Management Staff
Kanika Boone - Coordinator, Association Management
With the NCMS since 2025
Phn: (919) 833-3836 x. 5265
Kanika was born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Raleigh, NC. She earned her medical assistant associate degree from ECPI University and is currently attending Walden University in pursuit of a degree in social work. She enjoys spending time with her family and son, traveling, listening to music, and shopping.
Kanika Boone
Coordinator, Association Management
Megan Eberle - Director, Meeting Services & Medical Education
With the NCMS since 2020
Email Megan Direct: (919) 833-3836 x. 5254
Megan was born in Eugene, Oregon, but grew up in the Raleigh area and remained in North Carolina for her college career. She studied business administration with a concentration in accounting at UNC Wilmington and soon went to work in meeting and event planning with Health-Scripts and BCD M&E on the Pfizer account.
When not spending weekends at numerous specialty society meetings, Megan likes to cook, read, run, go hiking, travel and spend copious amounts of time with her family and friends.
Megan Eberle
Director, Meeting Services & Medical Education
Ashley Newton, MBA - Vice President, Association Management
With the NCMS since 2017
Email Ashley Phn: (919) 833-3836 x. 4177
Born and raised in Hickory, NC, Ashley brings her knowledge of the western part of the state and 20 + years working in pharmaceutical sales and marketing to her work in association management at the NCMS. Ashley holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington and earned her MBA at Lenoir Rhyne University, where she also was an adjunct professor in the business school. She enjoys being on the road visiting members and potential members as well as hiking, kayaking, kickboxing and working out at the gym, visiting art museums and her wine club. She also enjoys fishing with her three children – daughter Kailey, and sons Luke and Matthew – and her significant other, Michael.
Ashley Newton, MBA
Vice President, Association Management
Kristen Shipherd - Director, Communications
Email Kristen Phn: (919) 833-3836 x. 5247
Equipped with a BA in Classical Archaeology and Anthropology and a minor in Art History from George Washington University, Kristen’s career path began with editing field reports for an archaeologist and segued into a job with an art auction house as editor of their lifestyle magazine. She now works with Association Management handling each specialty society's respective websites and member communications. Kristen is the proud mother of daughter Kaleigh and caretaker of Winnie and Spencer, the rescue pups, and two cats (Pixie and Joel).Kristen Shipherd
Director, Communications