Cone Health has tapped longtime health system leader Dave Jenkins to take control of its behavioral health services, naming him vice president and administrator for the entire service line.
Jenkins, who joined Cone Health as a hospital administration intern in 2012, will now oversee operations at the Cone Health Behavioral Health Hospital and lead initiatives across the broader system. His promotion is an indication of Cone Health’s growing emphasis on meeting behavioral health needs throughout the Piedmont.
Cone Health officials say the promotion is part of a broader commitment to expanding behavioral health services and improving care access for patients in the region.
Over the last decade, Guilford County government, as well, has made behavioral health a top priority. The county has worked closely with Cone on behavioral health services with a secondary goal of reducing homelessness since the two problems are often related
Also over the past decade, Jenkins has steadily climbed the ranks through the areas health Goliath, holding key leadership roles at Wesley Long Hospital and within Cone Health Medical Group. He’s led programs in a variety of specialties including bariatrics, clinical dietetics, diabetes education and sleep disorders.
In 2022, Jenkins was named executive director of behavioral health services – a post he held until this most recent promotion.
In addition to his civilian healthcare career, Jenkins brings military leadership experience to the role as a senior enlisted leader in the US Air Force with over 25 years of service.
He holds an MBA from UNC Greensboro, a master’s from Slippery Rock University, and a bachelor’s degree from UNC-Asheville.
Jenkins is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Certified Medical Practice Executive.
Based in Greensboro, Cone Health operates five hospitals, six ambulatory care centers and 150 physician practices across the Piedmont Triad. It’s consistently ranked among the top health systems in the area and is known nationally for its work in value-based care.
