EmergeOrtho Wilmington Appoints Zachary Welch as New Executive Director
Wilmington, N.C. – April 28, 2022 – The Wilmington Region of EmergeOrtho has appointed Zachary Welch as the orthopedic medical practice’s new executive director. In this role, Welch will be responsible for leading EmergeOrtho Wilmington, the largest orthopedic and spine practice in the region, with 11 office locations across southeastern North Carolina.
Welch brings extensive experience in orthopedics and a broad range of experience in strategic planning, project and fiscal management, risk management, and operational and process improvement. He will collaborate with the physician leadership to lead a highly experienced team of over 120 medical providers with more than 480 employees, including practice managers, marketing, patient experience, human resources, IT, billing and finance.
“We are delighted that Zachary Welch is joining our team,” commented Shawn Hocker, MD, President of EmergeOrtho Wilmington. “His wealth of experience will be a huge asset as we continually expand care for our patients in the years ahead.”
Before joining EmergeOrtho, Welch led Wake Orthopaedics, a multi-site orthopedics practice with 75 providers and more than 200 staff in Wake County, North Carolina. He served as CEO for nine years and was responsible for strategic planning, practice development, operations and financial oversight. During his tenure, Welch focused on strategic growth initiatives supported by ongoing operational improvements, which led to significant and effective growth, including adding multiple providers, opening new clinic sites and therapy gyms, and expanding the orthopedic urgent care model.
“It is an incredible honor to join EmergeOrtho which has a strong reputation for exceptional providers and a remarkable staff who deliver high quality, cost-effective patient-centered care and services,” said Zachary Welch. “I am deeply committed to continuing the organization’s mission of helping patients emerge stronger, healthier and better. I look forward to building on EmergeOrtho’s strong foundation and strengthening its position as a trusted source for comprehensive orthopedic care in Wilmington and across the Coastal region.”
Prior to Wake Orthopaedics, Welch served as the practice administrator of Advanced Laparoscopic Associates, a general and bariatric surgery practice located in Raleigh, N.C. There he oversaw practice operations and strategic planning while working with physician leadership to develop value-based care models.
Welch is an active member of the American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives (AAOE) and Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Master of Business in Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Administration, both from Gardner-Webb University.
