OMH’s Dr. Pen­ney Burlingame Deal Award­ed Woman of the Year

Onslow Memorial Hospital’s President and CEO named the 2025 Marine Chevrolet Jacksonville Onslow Woman of the Year by the Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce

The Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce has awarded Dr. Penney Burlingame Deal, President and CEO of Onslow Memorial Hospital, the 2025 Marine Chevrolet Jacksonville Onslow Woman of the Year Award.

Last week, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce hosted its Annual Membership Celebration, honoring community leaders and recognizing their achievements. In addition to Dr. Burlingame Deal, the others recognized were:

2025 Sanders Ford, Inc Jacksonville Onslow Golden Eagle Man of the Year Ricky Maready

2025 Coastal Carolina Community College Jacksonville Onslow Civic Honoree Rev. Joel D. Churchwell

2025 Jacksonville Onslow Ambassador of the Year Everett Dula

“It was so fitting for Dr. Penney Burlingame Deal to be honored as the Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year,” said Chamber President Laurette Leagon. “Her commitment to the hospital, the community, and the chamber is unparalleled. Under her leadership, Onslow Memorial Hospital is a strong supporter of the Chamber, whether it be volunteering, serving on the Board and committees, or sponsoring signature events. The standout for me is her presentations to our Leadership in ACTION program. She will show up with a lengthy slideshow, and some years she has the class so engaged that she may not get past the first slide. She starts out by asking the class to share their experiences with the hospital, and says, ‘I want the good, bad, and ugly.’ The most impressive is when she gives her cell phone number and encourages the participants to reach out to her if they ever have a problem! Now that’s true leadership.”

Dr. Burlingame Deal is a dynamic leader whose commitment to community service, professional achievement, and personal growth is evident throughout her career. As CEO of Onslow Memorial Hospital, she has not only led significant business accomplishments, including a $17 million financial turnaround and a successful partnership with UNC Health, but also fostered a culture of service, encouraging her team to engage in various outreach projects. Penney serves on multiple local and statewide boards, such as the Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development Board and the North Carolina Healthcare Association, where she has held key leadership roles. Her involvement with the Chamber of Commerce and numerous community organizations reflects her dedication to transparency, engagement, and lifelong learning.

“Receiving the 2025 Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce Marine Chevrolet Woman of the Year award leaves me deeply humbled and overflowing with gratitude,” said Dr. Penney Burlingame Deal, President and CEO of OMH. “This honor truly belongs to our incredible community, and my heart is especially full as I acknowledge the Onslow family, whose unwavering support, warmth, and encouragement have been my guiding light. No one thrives in a vacuum and I am profoundly blessed by a community and a family that love, inspire, and champion one another every single day."

The Marine Chevrolet Woman of the Year Award is presented to a female who has demonstrated excellence in her profession and has devoted time and energy to the community.