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.

Art Kirkland, Director of Marketing & Business Development

Art has over 14 years of experience in healthcare leadership and marketing and 10 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities and special needs. Art’s passion for helping others is on display daily as he works to ensure those in need of physical rehabilitation have the knowledge of services provided in their community and access to those services.

A licensed social worker, Art earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Limestone College in Gaffney, SC.

Art resides in Greenwood, SC, and enjoys serving his community as an active Rotarian and spending time with his wife, Julie, and their twin daughters, Mackenzie and Taylor.

Michael Young, Director of Culinary Services

With nearly 25 years of experience, Michael brings careful attention and creative skill to our culinary services.

Michael was awarded his certification in culinary arts from Midlands Technical College in Columbia, S.C. He is certified by the Association of Nutrition and Food Service Professionals, with an advanced certification in nutrition. He also has earned a Servsafe certification.

Currently, Michael serves as a consultant with Browning Geriatrics, and he participates in a mentoring program for students studying culinary education. Originally from the Upstate, he and his wife, Amy, and two children, Abigail and Jessica, continue to enjoy the area.

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.