Former nursing leader returns to AdventHealth as new Director of Cancer Services

February 19, 2025 — Former nursing leader returns to AdventHealth as new Director of Cancer Services

HENDERSONVILLE, NC, February 19, 2025 – AdventHealth is thrilled to welcome Christina Harwood, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, back to AdventHealth Hendersonville as the new Director of Cancer Services. Harwood previously served as the Home Health Director and Clinical Services Director for the Medical/Surgical, Intensive Care and Progressive Care Units. In her new role, she will oversee the comprehensive cancer services at AdventHealth that provide our community with exceptional inpatient and outpatient care across our hospitals and infusion centers in four counties.

Harwood earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive, NC. She then pursued and completed both her Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Nursing degrees. Continuing her academic journey, she achieved her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Capella University in Minneapolis, MN. She most recently served as the Chief Nursing Officer at CarePartners Health Services.

Harwood has more than 20 years of health care leadership experience that spans the entire care continuum. She is a people-focused, collaborative health care leader who values the diverse perspectives of others. As a leader, she works to develop and maintain a culture of respect, trust and open communication. She is committed to caring for her team and the patients they serve and prioritizes creating an environment of empathy and support.

“My message to patients, colleagues, and guests is one of commitment and trust,” Harwood shares. “I am dedicated to providing the highest quality of care with compassion and respect. You can trust that I will listen to your needs, work collaboratively to ensure your well-being and maintain open communications. My goal is to create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. Together, we will strive for excellence ensuring that both patients and colleagues feel whole in body, mind and spirit.”

“I think she will excel in this role,” shares Jennifer Taiwo, Director of Operations for Physician Enterprise at AdventHealth Hendersonville. “She has an understanding of AdventHealth already and her experience from her most recent role will be helpful in this new role of growing our oncology service line in the community.”

AdventHealth’s reputation for delivering excellence in whole-person care is ultimately what made Harwood say “yes” to returning to this team of compassionate caregivers. She was drawn to AdventHealth’s commitment to meeting the needs of the community and Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ by continuing to add comprehensive programs and services to meet those needs. She adds, “I am excited to return to such an innovative and mission-focused organization. It’s an exciting time to join AdventHealth!”

Harwood and her husband live in the Pisgah Forest and have three adult sons. One is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force and the other two are attending college. She feels the most whole when all her boys are back home, and they can spend time together as a family. In her free time, she enjoys being outside, upcycling old furniture, crafting, reading and listening to podcasts.

To learn more about Cancer Services at AdventHealth, visit AdventHealthWNC.com or call Call855-774-LIFE (5433).