Bio
This appearance on “In a Car With IPR” shares the story of my career and gives a great look into how I became a leader in healthcare communications.
About Dr. Wallington
Dr. Chuck Wallington is a distinguished leader in the fields of marketing, communications, and public relations.
Career Leadership
Dr. Wallington currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer for Cone Health.
As one of nine members of Cone Health’s senior executive leadership team, Chuck plays an integral role in shaping the strategic vision of this prominent Greensboro, NC-based healthcare enterprise.
He also leads the marketing and communications team, which develops and implements the marketing and communications strategies in support of Cone Health’s business strategy.
Before joining Cone Health, Chuck held leadership roles at American Express. He served as a Director of Communications and later was promoted to a Vice President of Communications with global responsibilities spanning the United States, Canada, Mexico, and India.
Research & Scholarship
His expertise is further enriched by an impressive academic background, including a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master’s in communications management from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from North Carolina A&T State University.
Chuck’s scholarly work has earned high distinction. His doctoral dissertation on the leadership journeys of African-American male executives evolved into the book “A Seat at the C-Suite Table,” published in January 2024.
His master’s research titled “Barriers, Borders and Boundaries: Exploring why there are so few African American males in the public relations profession,” was named by PR Journal as one of the Top 15 Public Relations Research Insights in 2020.
A Nationally Recognized Guest Lecturer and Author
As a recognized author and experienced professional, he is frequently invited as a guest lecturer at universities across the country.
Chuck’s commitment to advancing the profession and supporting the next generation of leaders is reflected in several awards and honors, including:
2024 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Outstanding Book Award
2024 Black History Maker Award from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University,
2023 D. Parke Gibson Pioneer Award from the Public Relations Society of America
2022 Robert S. Abbott Memorial Award from Savannah State University.
Chuck Wallington’s career stands as a testament to visionary leadership, scholarly achievement, and a steadfast dedication to diversity and mentorship in all areas, including communications.
Board Affiliations and Other Leadership Roles
Chuck is a founding member of the Diversity Action Alliance Board of Directors. He currently serves on the national board of directors of the Public Relations Society of America and the Museum for Public Relations.
He also serves on the board of trustees of the Institute for Public Relations. Chuck also is a member of Arthur W. Page Society for senior communications executives.
An active Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Chuck has held numerous local, regional and national leadership roles with the fraternity.
Personal
Chuck and his wife Sandra reside in Greensboro, NC, where they are active members of St. James Presbyterian Church.

