Lower Cape Fear LifeCare names new CEO after national search

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Lower Cape Fear LifeCare has named Karen Brubaker Miller as its next president and chief executive officer following a national search.

According to LifeCare, Brubaker Miller will become only the fourth CEO in the organization’s 46-year history, succeeding Gwen Whitley.

The organization said its board of directors partnered with a national search firm and reviewed several candidates before selecting Brubaker Miller for the role.

“After meeting Karen, I knew we had found the right person to lead LifeCare forward,” Whitley said. “She brings the experience, judgment, and compassion that align with who we are and the care we provide every day.”

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare said it is one of the largest nonprofit hospice providers in North Carolina, serving patients and families across southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. The organization provides hospice, palliative, dementia and grief support services.

According to LifeCare, Brubaker Miller brings more than 30 years of experience in hospice and palliative care, including more than 17 years in executive leadership. The organization said she began her career as a licensed clinical social worker.

LifeCare said Brubaker Miller most recently served as president and CEO of Montgomery & Prince George’s Hospice in Maryland, where she led a multi-county nonprofit focused on expanding access to care.

“I’m honored to join Lower Cape Fear LifeCare and to work alongside a team so deeply committed to serving patients and families,” Brubaker Miller said. “I look forward to building on the organization’s strong foundation, stellar reputation and continuing its mission of providing compassionate, expert care to the communities it serves.”