Contributed

Carolina Eye Associates, one of the largest eye care providers in the Southeast, has named Dawn Apple its new CEO.

Apple has a long tenure at Carolina Eye, beginning as coordinator in the marketing department, and advancing through the ranks to chief operating officer, a news release said.

"Dawn has served in many capacities and has earned the confidence of the partners," said Dr. Greg Mincey, president of Carolina Eye Associates.

"She understands Carolina Eye, how we operate, and we look forward to her guidance,"

Former and longtime CEO Larry Newsome will remain with Carolina Eye as chief financial officer, and T.J. McCaskill became chief operating officer, assuming Apple's current role effective Jan. 1, the news release said.

Apple will lead the process of developing and driving the future vision for Carolina Eye.

"I am excited to step into this new role and appreciate the confidence the physicians have placed in me," Apple said. "I feel fortunate that I've had over 25 years of experience with the company preparing me for this position.

"I look forward to working with the physician leadership on the many challenges facing health care today and in the future."

Mincey added, "Dawn will also keep the dream of Dr. Gale Martin, founder of Carolina Eye, which was to create an institution that would live after him."-

Apple received her master's of business administration degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives and is certified as an ophthalmic assistant.

She is married to Michael Apple, a math teacher at Pinecrest High School and head coach for the Sandhills Community College men's basketball team. She has two sons, Andrew Apple, an optometrist at Carolina Eye Associates, and William Apple, who is currently a freshmen at NC State University.

Carolina Eye is a multi-subspecialty eye center providing state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye, dry eye and corneal eye disease.

For more information, visit the website www. carolinaeye.com or call (910) 295-2100.