Wilson Medical Center's additions to its 2025 Board of Directors includes four respected local leaders, Stewart S. Arens Jr., Bishop Myron K. Smith, Dr. Calbee D. Newkirk and Dr. Sanjay Cherukuri. With longstanding service in business, healthcare, faith, and education, these individuals bring a deep understanding of the community’s needs. Their leadership and commitment to Wilson County will help guide the hospital’s efforts to provide quality care and enhance local healthcare services.

“We are so proud to welcome these members to our Board and know that they will do an outstanding job,” said Lindy White, interim chief executive officer (CEO) of Wilson Medical Center. “Their longstanding leadership and deep knowledge of the unique needs of our community will be a great asset to our leadership team, employees, and medical staff as we advance our mission of making communities healthier. We are confident in their abilities to be a meaningful voice for Wilson Medical Center and the members of our community.”  

Steward S. Arens is the vice president of Arens-Webb Insurance Agency. He serves as board chairman of The Greenfield School and president of The Brittany T. Willis Memorial Scholarship Soccer Showcase . A longtime supporter of youth athletics, Arens was an active participant in his sons’ athletic careers, coaching area youth soccer and basketball teams. A Wilson native, Arens graduated from Elon College in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Bishop Myron K. Smith has served as the senior pastor of Christ Temple of Praise for the past 28 years. He is the former president of The Men’s Civic Club of Wilson and previously worked as  a detective with the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington D.C. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in religion and philosophy from Shaw University, as well as a Master of Science in MCST from the University of Maryland.

Calbee D. Newkirk is a North Carolina Medical Board-certified physician in family medicine. She has a Bachelor of Science in biology (pre-med) from North Carolina Central University and graduated from Boston University’s School of Medicine in 2014. Newkirk has served Wilson County residents since 2017 and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Board of Family Medicine.

Dr. Sanjay Cherukuri is president of the Wilson Medical Center Medical Staff and a board-certified cardiologist specializing in coronary artery disease management and heart attack prevention and treatment. Cherukuri completed medical school at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research.

“It is so important to have strong community hospitals,” said White. “I am truly honored to have each serve on our hospital’s Board of Directors. I look forward to working collaboratively with them to help our hospital continue to explore ways to expand access to quality care close to home.”