Donna Gregory’s Extraordinary People: Gwen Whitley Reflects on Nearly 18 Years of Service

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Nearly 18 years ago, Gwen Whitley began working at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare, guided by an experience that had changed her life years earlier.

Whitley, a nurse by training, was inspired after a close friend died of breast cancer at age 36. Whitley visited her friend in the organization’s inpatient care center on the morning of her death, an experience she says left a lasting impression.

Two years later, Whitley joined Lower Cape Fear LifeCare as clinical director of the intake department. Over the next nearly two decades, she advanced through the organization, eventually becoming chief executive officer.

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare provides hospice, palliative care and support services for patients and families facing serious illness and end-of-life care across southeastern North Carolina.

Whitley said she never viewed leadership as a title, but as a responsibility to patients, families and staff.

During her time as CEO, Whitley oversaw several major developments. She points to two accomplishments she is most proud of: the creation of the LifeCare Memory Partners program, which supports people living with dementia who may not yet qualify for hospice care, and the organization earning a Five-Star Rating from Medicare in August.

Only about 8 percent of hospices nationwide receive the five-star designation.

Eric Walker, vice president of sales, marketing and community engagement, says Whitley’s leadership helped shape the organization’s culture.

“She led with fortitude and vision, and kindness,” Walker said. “She helped create a people-first culture for patients and families, but also for staff.”

Volunteers say Whitley’s leadership was felt throughout the organization. Mary Jo Conlogue, who has volunteered for about 20 years, says Whitley has always been deeply involved and accessible.

“She’s done a great job,” Conlogue said. “I hate to think of her retiring.”

Whitley’s career in health care began in labor and delivery, helping families welcome new life. She says her later work in hospice, palliative care and memory care brought her full circle, allowing her to care for people at the end of life with the same sense of purpose.

As she prepares for retirement, Whitley said she plans to remain involved as a volunteer and through the organization’s foundation.

Asked how she thinks the friend who inspired her journey would feel about all she has accomplished, Whitley said she believes her friend would be proud.

“I think she would be amazed,” Whitley said. “And I think she would be proud that I chose this as my career path.”

Whitley said she hopes to be remembered for helping create a culture that always puts people first.