Editor’s Note: Iredell Health System is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. The nonprofit’s success is s a testament to the dedication and loyalty of employees, both past and present. More than 70 current employees have worked at Iredell Health System for over 30 years.

Special to IFN

Director of Patient Financial Services Keith Williams has worked at Iredell Health System for 42 years.

As a high school student seeking a part-time job in September of 1982, Williams heard a good friend talking about a vacant position at Iredell Memorial Hospital.

“I was initially hired as a dietary aide,” said Williams.

In 1984, Williams moved to the storeroom as a supply clerk. He then furthered his education at Mitchell Community College, earning an associate degree in business administration and opening new doors for him at the hospital.

“When I graduated from Mitchell Community College, I was able to schedule a meeting with Mr. Arnold Nunnery, who was the CEO at the time. I asked him for advice regarding a career in healthcare. At the end of our conversation, he called over to human resources and instructed the director to assist me with finding a job.”

Williams found his place in the insurance department as a refund clerk in 1992. He then went on to become a commercial biller, then the insurance department supervisor.

“Ten years later I was hired as the Business Office manager, which was eventually changed to the director of Patient Financial Services. I’m currently responsible for directing patient scheduling, pre authorizations, insurance verification, patient registration, billing, collections, customer services, cash posting, denial management, budget preparation, and coordinating the daily activities related to the planning, implementation, and maintenance pertinent to the Business Office.”

Outside of work, Williams also enjoys various sports. The City of Statesville hosted a recreational sport division throughout the 1980s where he participated in volleyball, basketball, and softball teams representing the hospital. Each of these teams secured championships with Williams driving their success.

Williams has seen some major changes during his 42 years at Iredell Health System.

“I remember when the hospital’s annual picnic was held on campus where the 1986 tower and parking deck are located now. I also remember when the emergency room, laboratory and radiology departments were located where endoscopy and administration are now. I have seen the organization transformation from a mere community hospital to a healthcare system,” he said.

Although Williams has witnessed significant changes, some things have remained the same.

“For years, I have described the culture at Iredell as a big family. Our direct connections with the diverse communities in Iredell County, whether it’s race, religion, economic status, etc., sets Iredell Health System apart from others,” he said.

Williams served as a Statesville city councilman representing Ward 6 from 2014-2019, further demonstrating his dedication to the community.

With Iredell’s help he earned an undergrad degree in technical management from DeVry University in 2009. He then went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration from Keller Graduate School of Management in 2010, better equipping him to provide quality service in his field.

As for his career with Iredell Health System, Williams said could not imagine his being anywhere else.

“I’m a Statesville native who was taught by my father the importance of community service. What better way to serve the community than to be a part of an organization whose existence is centered around providing quality care to the community,” he said. “Iredell Memorial Hospital was my first employer and, if everything goes as planned, I will be able to say that Iredell Health System was my last employer.”

About Iredell Health System

Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; two urgent care centers; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare facility has 247 beds; more than 1,800 employees; and has 260 physicians representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The Health System’s second campus, Iredell Mooresville, is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.