AHOSKIE – Caleb J. (Joe) Forbes of Ahoskie has been appointed chairperson of the Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital Directors Council.  This is the local governing board of directors for the hospital.  Forbes has served as a director on the council since 2009.

“I am pleased to accept the position of chairperson for our Directors’ Council at Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital,” states Forbes.  “As a director on the council I know first-hand what a great hospital that we are fortunate to have in our county.  I look forward to working with the new president Patrick Heins to continue the excellent quality healthcare services for the Roanoke-Chowan area.”

Forbes began his public service career after 24 years in the United States Army and Army Reserves.  A graduate of Roanoke Chowan Community College and Elizabeth City State University, Forbes’ distinguished career in workforce development included Adult Basic Education Instructor, Vocation Evaluator and Job Coach, JTPA Coordinator, and Case Manager.  He has worked in several North Carolina counties aiding adult and dislocated workers.

In 2005 he was selected to receive a Governor’s Award for Excellence in Workforce Development and was presented the Wayne Daves Outstanding Achievement in Workforce Development.  Additionally, Forbes led a program called, “Second Chance,” a program that helped high school drop outs, teen parents, and older youth 16-21 years of age that had been involved in the court system to have a ‘second chance’.  The program provided a continuum of services to help youth acquire the skills and knowledge to be successful. 

He served as a CADA Board member for 10 years and was an active member of the Finance Committee. He is also a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Ahoskie Alumni Chapter; the National Benevolent Order of Elks of the World – White Lily Lodge #326 Ahoskie; and the Jerusalem #96 Masonic Lodge of Ahoskie; as well as other organizations.   

Among his awards, he was inducted into the NCCAA Hall of Fame in 2013.

He is married to Rozell Forbes, RN who worked at Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital as a nursing supervisor for many years.  They are the parents of five adult children and have 10 grandchildren.  He is an active member of New Ahoskie Missionary Baptist Church.

“Joe Forbes is a dedicated public servant and a team player who has been a positive image for workforce development for many years,” said Patrick Heins, president of Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital.  “I look forward to working with him and the other directors as we fulfill the mission of our hospital to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina.”

The Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital Directors’ Council meets five times a year and serves as the advisory council for the hospital, which is governed by the Vidant Community Hospital Board.  Members are appointed by the president of the hospital to serve for a three-year term.

Other members of the Vidant Roanoke-Chowan Hospital Directors’ Council are Dr. David Lingle, chief of staff, Dr. Tim Frei, Dixie Harrell, Linda Hobbs, Patricia Ramsey, Bill Mitchell, and Truett Robertson.