Richard Schulz, Chief Executive Officer

Richard possesses nearly 20 years of extensive experience in healthcare administration and finance, and he is passionate about sharing those skills with the Upstate community. He has served in various financial leadership positions within hospitals in Florida, Maryland, and Virginia before coming to South Carolina.

After securing his bachelor’s degree in public administration from Georg Mason University in Fairfax, Va., Richard went on to earn his master’s degree in healthcare administration from Walden University, Minneapolis, MN. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Richard enjoys serving the Spartanburg community as a Rotarian and is a member of the board of directors for the Salvation Army of Spartanburg. He currently resides in Spartanburg with his wife of 15 years, Sally, and his two children, Richard and Natalie.

Dr. Ryan Hudson, Medical Director

Dr. Hudson is a native of the upstate of South Carolina. Ever since a high school sports injury, he has been drawn to the medical field and is passionate about seeing patients improve their function and independence. He is very excited to be in Spartanburg, serving the medical needs of the community.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in biology from Bob Jones University, he pursued a Master of Public Health at St. Georges University, where he also completed his medical school training. He then completed an internship and residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at East Carolina University. After residency, he worked for over three years at an orthopedic clinic in Spartanburg before transitioning to the role of medical director at SRI. He is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and is a board-certified physiatrist.

He resides in the upstate with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys outdoor activities with his family, including riding bikes and hiking.

Heather Crisp, Director of Compliance

With 22 years of experience of bedside nursing and management, Heather brings skill and talent to her work. She oversees quality and regulatory compliance at the hospital, thus assuring our patients the very best of care.

Heather earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg, S.C. Today, Heather enjoys giving back to her community by participating in Relay for Life and through volunteering with the American Red Cross. She was born and raised in Spartanburg, S.C., and lives here with her husband, Frank, and two sons, Cameron and Cason.

Kali Junker, Director of Nursing Operations

Kali’s calling to become a nurse started in the 6th grade after she shadowed a public health nurse practitioner as part of a Girl Scout project. Now 18 years into her career, Kali’s passion for nursing care still continues to grow.
A registered nurse, Kali has worked and traveled throughout the United States and the Caribbean in a variety of leadership roles. Her resume includes experience in rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurology, case management, home health, and program development. Kali earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, and she is an accredited case manager. She brings energy, enthusiasm, and focus to whatever she is doing.

When not working, Kali spends time with her husband raising their two daughters and can be found on their hobby farm dabbling in “do-it-yourself” projects, exploring the wilderness in the greater upstate area, and working towards completing her graduate degree.

Carolyn Politi King, Director of Therapy

Originally from Canada, Carolyn has been a part of the Ernest Health family for over 11 years, first as a staff occupational therapist and now as the director of therapy. She loves working in rehab to see the amazing progress patients make, while also developing strong relationships that continue past discharge. Carolyn is Neuro IFRAH certified in stroke rehabilitation and over the course of her career has developed a passion for working with stroke survivors and their families.

After work, Carolyn is a devoted dog mom to Ratchet, Zoni, and Blaney and loves snuggling with them on the couch. You may also find her working out at Burn Boot Camp, making delicious banana pudding, enjoying wine with friends, reading and going to book club, watching NASCAR, and cheering for the Buffalo Bills.

Shawn Basile, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy

With nearly 22 years of pharmacy experience, Shawn has worked in various pharmacy settings including retail and hospital pharmacy. During that time, Shawn has worked as a staff pharmacist for CVS Health, pharmacy manager for Walmart Pharmacy, and a medication safety/lead pharmacist for UPMC Hamot Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Shawn earned his bachelor’s degree from Mercyhurst University and his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) School of Pharmacy in Erie, PA.

Originally from Punxsutawney, PA (home to Punxsutawney Phil), he moved to Erie where he met his wife, Sarah. They have three beautiful daughters who enjoy putting makeup on their Dad, including him in various karaoke renditions, and being treated like princesses. He currently resides in Duncan, SC. In his free time, Shawn enjoys completing home projects and rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers as well as the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Amanda Tate, CRT RCP, Director of Marketing & Business Development

Amanda brings 21 years of experience in the health care field with a background in respiratory therapy. She earned her associate degree in respiratory therapy at Spartanburg Community College in 2003.

She began her career at SRI as a clinical liaison in 2021 before transitioning into her role as DMBD. Her focus is building strong relationships within our community and with area healthcare partners.

Amanda resides in Spartanburg with her husband, son, and two dogs. She loves to shop, enjoys exercising, reading, and a relaxing day by the pool with her family and friends.

Traci Traynham, Human Resource Director

Traci loves working with people and watching them strive to become the best they can be.

Traci possesses more than 30 years of experience in human resources, with 18 being spent as a human resources manager at a local manufacturing plant. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of South Carolina Spartanburg (now called University of South Carolina Upstate).

She currently lives in Moore, S.C., with her husband and Great Dane, Oakley. They have two grown children, Taylor and Tyler. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, church, scrapbooking and watching football. She is an avid Clemson Tiger and Pittsburgh Steeler fan.

Michael Budurka, Director of Facilities Management

I’ve been at SRI since the construction of the building (since July of 2013), in healthcare facilities for over 20. Prior to working in facilities, I was a very successful General Contractor for 15 years. I am passionate about my career. I came from PA to South Carolina with my family around 2012 and have thoroughly enjoyed SC.

After work I enjoy fishing, swimming, boating and camping. I love the outdoors and I am an avid hunter as well. I am also a jeep enthusiast and travel to jeep events throughout the year.