Iredell Health Honors Long-Serving Employees: A Conversation with Keith Williams, Director of Patient Financial Services

Iredell Health System celebrated its 70^th Anniversary on May 1. It’s not just a celebration of passing time. It’s a testament to the dedication and loyalty of the people who made, and continue to make, it all possible — its employees.

Iredell Health System has a long-standing history of caring for its community. What sets Iredell Health System apart is its deep connection to the community it serves. Many of its employees are not just healthcare professionals — they are our neighbors, friends, and family members. In fact, Iredell Health System has more than 70 employees who have worked at Iredell Health System for over 30 years.

Keith Williams, MPA, Director of Patient Financial Services, 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 his 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 (now known as material management). He then furthered his education at Mitchell Community College, earning an associate’s 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 eighties 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, both physically and internally, in 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 other,” he said.

Williams served as a Statesville city councilman representing ward six from 2014-2019, further proving his dedication to the people of Iredell.

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, he 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.”