Four Oaks, NC – September 05, 2025 – CommWell Health, a large not-for-profit Community Health Center system in southeastern North Carolina, recently announced the renaming of its Operations Center Administrative building located in Four Oaks, to the Nathan Johnson Tilghman Professional Building to honor and recognize Nathan Johnson Tilghman, a community visionary, innovator, and mentor with long standing service as a CommWell Health’s board chair and member.
The CommWell Health Board of Directors, Foundation Advisory board, and CommWell Health leadership announced the name change at its annual Board of Directors Meeting held on August 28.
The CommWell Health Foundation has been the fortunate recipient of generous philanthropic contributions from Mr. Tilghman. Recognized on the CommWell Health Foundation giving walls, Mr. Tilghman’s cumulative support has resulted in achievement of highest honor recognized at the Diamond Eagle donor level.
“Such philanthropy is essential for the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life for the communities we serve.” states Tim Butler, Chair of the CommWell Health Foundation, “By investing in CommWell Health, benefactors like Mr. Johnson Tilghman have given our patients the basic human right of quality health care.”
Mr. Tilghman, a native of Harnett County, has a legacy of healthcare in North Carolina. His grandfather, the late Nathan M. Johnson, laid a foundational stone for health care services in Harnett County by establishing Dunn’s first hospital, Betsy Johnson Hospital. Mr. Tilghman has served as the chairman of the CommWell Health Board of Directors since June 1994. Under his leadership, CommWell Health has undertaken numerous initiatives to enhance healthcare services across southeastern North Carolina. Most recently, the groundbreaking of the new state-of-the-art Four Oaks Multi-Disciplinary practice in Four Oaks, Johnston County.
“Johnson’s role has been pivotal in steering the boards strategic direction, ensuring that patient care remains at the forefront of CommWell Health priorities,” states Pamela Tripp, Chief Executive Officer of CommWell Health. “I want to thank his wife, and family for being a part of this historic celebration and for sharing this remarkable man with us for the past 30 years. His three decades of dedicated service on the CommWell Health Board of Directors is a testament to his unwavering commitment to community health and his contributions have undoubtedly shaped the organizations growth and success, ensuring that quality healthcare services reach those in need.”
In August, CommWell Health and Community Health Centers nationwide celebrate National Health Center month. This year’s theme, “America’s Health Centers: Celebrating Past, Present, and Future, highlights the transformative impact of health centers on our nation’s health, their continued dedication to innovation, and their vision for an even healthier future. As we celebrate this remarkable man, we reflect on the impact of his leadership and the enduring legacy he has built within local areas, counties, and across North Carolina.
The CommWell Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds that directly support patient health care initiatives. Since CommWell Health first opened its doors in 1976, our mission has remained clear: to provide compassionate delivery of quality medical, dental, and behavioral health services to all, especially to those who are underinsured or uninsured. The Foundation was established in 2018 as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
Guided by that mission and our Foundation mission “to inspire giving and improve the quality of life in the communities we serve,” we have made significant strides in expanding services, engaging the community, and fostering partnerships that enhance the well-being of our patients in Southeastern, North Carolina. Additional information about the CommWell Health Foundation can be found at www.commwellhealth.org.
