The UNC Health Rockingham Foundation Board of Directors welcomes two local leaders for an initial three-year term of service: Jessica “Jessie” Boothe and Allyson “Nicky” Edwards. The board is comprised of business leaders and entrepreneurs, community advocates and health professionals focused on meeting the philanthropic needs of UNC Health Rockingham, its patients and care teams.

“The UNC Health Rockingham Foundation Board partners with the hospital to provide funding that supports our community’s needs and provides advanced training for clinical teammates,” said Christy Hensley, Board Chair. “We are excited to have Jessie and Nicky join the UNC Health Rockingham Foundation Board of Directors as we continue working to ensure quality care is available for all of our neighbors.”

Since its founding in 1996, the UNC Health Rockingham Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has worked with the local community to raise funds that benefit the hospital through patient assistance, innovative community health education programs, clinical scholarships, and investment in capital projects for facility enhancements, equipment purchases and renovations.  The UNC Health Rockingham Foundation supports the hospital in providing quality care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

Jessie Boothe is a native of Eden and was born at Morehead Hospital. After attending Moses Cone School of Radiologic Technology in 2005, she went on to become Nationally Registered in Computed Tomography (CT) at Forsyth Technical Community College in 2006. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology/radiologic science in 2021. She gained over 20 years of experience in diagnostic imaging, including x-ray and CT with ten of those years at Morehead Hospital, now UNC Health Rockingham.

In 2024, Jessie transitioned to a health sciences teaching role with Rockingham County Schools. She is also a certified CPR provider and instructor. She was nominated for the Beginning Teacher of Excellence Award for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.

Nicky Edwards is a registered nurse and grew up in Eden. She was born at Morehead hospital and later spent ten years of her career in the Birthing Center at UNC Health Rockingham. Nicky was also a charge nurse and preceptor for new employees. Throughout her nursing career she developed a love for educating others and in 2012 she transitioned into education as a Nurse Instructor in
the Health Science Academy for Rockingham County Schools, while still working part-time at the hospital. She now serves as Certified Nurse Aide Program Coordinator at Rockingham Community College. 

Nicky has served on the Rockingham Community College Advisory Board and the School Improvement Team for Morehead High School. She won Teacher of the Year for Rockingham County Schools and Morehead High School in 2016-2017, as well as the Champions for Education Excellence in Teaching Award.