FirstHealth Named Forbes America’s Best-In-State Employers

PINEHURST, N.C. - FirstHealth of the Carolinas has been recognized on the Forbes list of America's Best-In-State Employers for 2026. This prestigious award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The award list was announced on Aug. 13, 2026, and can be viewed on Forbes website.

Forbes and Statista selected America's Best-In-State Employers 2026 through an independent survey from a vast sample of more than 245,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 500 people within the U.S. More than 2 million employer evaluations were considered. The final score is based on two types of employee evaluations: personal (those given by employees themselves) and public (those given by friends and family members of employees or members of the public who work in the same industry).

Based on the results of the study, FirstHealth was named by Forbes as one of America's Best-In-State Employers 2026, reinforcing the organization's commitment to lead the industry on a regional and statewide level in employee satisfaction and setting a new standard for workplace excellence.

"Being recognized as one of state's best employers is especially meaningful because it reflects the experiences of the people who make FirstHealth such a special place to work and receive care," said FirstHealth CEO Mickey Foster, MHA. "Our employees are the heart of our organization, and this recognition speaks to the culture we've built together. We know that when we invest in our people, our patients benefit, and that's the commitment that continues to guide us."

According to FirstHealth Chief People Officer Jeremy Stephens, MSA, creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported and empowered is one of the organization's highest priorities.

"From opportunities for professional growth and leadership development to investments in employee health and well-being, we're committed to helping our team members thrive," Stephens said. "We're grateful for the dedication, compassion and excellence our employees demonstrate each day to support one another and care for the patients and families we serve."

Statista publishes hundreds of worldwide industry rankings and company listings with high-profile media partners. This research and analysis service is based on the success of statista.com, the leading data and business intelligence portal that provides statistics, relevant business data, and various market and consumer studies and surveys.