Ruth Marler Named 2025 ATHENA Recipient

Ruth Marler Named 2025 ATHENA International Leadership Award Recipient
Smithfield, NC —The Triangle East Chamber of Commerce announced that Ruth Marler, Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at UNC Health Johnston, has been named the 2025 recipient of the ATHENA International Leadership Award. The award honors women who achieve excellence in their profession, give back to their community, and help other women reach their full leadership potential. This is the 38^th year the Chamber has present the award.

The award was presented at a sold-out dinner held at Garibaldi’s in Cleveland, where community and business leaders gathered to celebrate women who exemplify professional excellence, community service, and mentorship. In addition to honoring Marler, twelve other women were recognized as part of the celebration for their contributions to their professions and the community.

Throughout her 43-year healthcare career, Marler has demonstrated compassionate and innovative leadership. Under her direction, UNC Health Johnston has achieved multiple national recognitions for clinical excellence, including Leapfrog “A” ratings and numerous distinctions for patient safety and quality. A forward-thinking leader, Marler has implemented transformative initiatives such as telehealth integration, digital rounding tools, and community-based behavioral health expansions. During the pandemic, she played a critical role in establishing Community Monoclonal Antibody Clinics in partnership with local healthcare organizations—efforts that saved lives across Johnston County. Her dedication to service and innovation has earned her numerous honors, including being named one of the Top 100 Women Leaders in Medicine and an NCHA Healthcare Hero in 2021.

Marler’s commitment to community service extends well beyond the hospital. She has served with organizations such as the Johnston County Homeless Committee, Harbor, the CATCH Stakeholders Committee, and the Johnston County Mental Health Crisis Collaborative Committee. Through these efforts, she has helped improve access to care for underserved populations and worked tirelessly to address homelessness, mental health, and substance use challenges in the region.

A passionate mentor and advocate for women in healthcare, Marler has created externship and scholarship programs for aspiring professionals and sponsored numerous women re-entering the nursing profession after personal and professional setbacks. Many of the women she has guided now serve as leaders in their own right—business owners, directors, and executives who continue her legacy of mentorship and excellence.

“Ruth embodies everything the ATHENA Award stands for,” said Ron Hester, Chair of Member Services for the Triangle East Chamber of Commerce. “Her lifelong commitment to excellence, her compassion for others, and her dedication to developing future leaders make her a true example of servant leadership. Johnston County is a stronger community because of her impact.”

Born and raised in Johnston County, Marler has devoted her life and career to the community she calls home. As she prepares to retire later this year, her influence on healthcare, leadership, and the lives of countless individuals will continue to inspire for generations to come.