After a lifetime career focused on North Carolina healthcare, Michael Icenhour, CMPE has retired, leaving his almost 30-year post as Chief Operating Officer at Mid-Atlantic Emergency Medical Associates (MEMA). He leaves the practice knowing he has helped to keep MEMA an independent and growing practice that will continue to thrive and serve patients in Charlotte and surrounding areas.
At just 14 years old, Michael began working at Thompson Medical Specialists, folding patient statements after school, and during the summer months, as his mother, Sylvia Icenhour, FACMPE, was the practice administrator.
“I was able to learn the ins and outs of a private practice from a very early age,” says Michael, “and I knew this was the industry I wanted to stay in.” After graduating from Appalachian State University with a BS/BA in Healthcare Management, he stayed nearby, working in various clinics in office administrator positions. In 1995, Michael was offered a position at the Nalle Clinic, which brought him to Charlotte, as the Special Services Administrator with operational responsibility for the departments of Internal Medicine, Pulmonology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, and Plastic Surgery.
In 1999, a friend and colleague, Dave Celec, MEMA’s then COO, who was leaving the practice, reached out to Michael, offering him the chance to interview for the job – a group with 34 physicians and 19 PAs/NPs spread across 4 medical centers. “It’s all in your professional contacts and who you know,” shares Michael, who, after interviewing and being offered the position, hasn’t looked back once, even though Michael’s first day at MEMA was the same day they began integrating a brand-new billing company, which he admits made for an extremely challenging year.
What kept Michael at MEMA throughout the years was the opportunity “to work with really great physicians and people,” he says.
“I have worked with 6 presidents throughout my MEMA tenure, and the leadership continues to be inspiring. It is what helped me continue to enjoy the work and make those special connections within the organization”. Michael leveraged his talents over the years to navigate the ever-changing challenges in developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with hospital systems. MEMA now employs 80 physicians and 55 Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), including both Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners.
Former MEMA COO Tim Lietz, MD, FACEP, shares, “Michael has been the bedrock of our organization for over 25 years. He has been the ultimate professional Chief Operating Officer throughout his career and has the respect and admiration of every MEMA employee. His outstanding organizational skills have served MEMA well, making us a smooth-running operation. His career has been a true inspiration in leadership with fairness, integrity, and kindness”.
Throughout his career, Michael, following in his mother, Sylvia’s footsteps, becoming a member of the North Carolina Medical Group Management Association (NCMGMA, now known as the Carolinas MGMA), and an instrumental leader within the organization. Michael served as a former President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of NCMGMA, and contributed to multiple committees and the local Charlotte Chapter. In 2000, he was presented the President’s Award by the Mecklenburg County Medical Society, and in 2021, Michael was awarded the high honor of NCMGMA’s Administrator of the Year Award, illustrating the great breadth of his influence and impact on the business of healthcare in North Carolina.
Michael has always been focused on helping others.
In his professional career, he has led teams and organizations toward brighter, more successful futures. In retirement, he plans to travel more and enjoy life. You may even see him on your own travels while at Charlotte’s Airport. For over a decade, Michael has volunteered at the airport, helping passengers find their way on their own adventures. He even has one of the famous Charlotte Airport rocking chairs dedicated to him in the airport’s main atrium!
In 2026, MEMA celebrates 50 years of business. “What an accomplishment this is for such a great organization.” Michael offers encouragement to the leadership team, board, and clinicians: “to continue to work together and support one another and work towards another successful 50 years for MEMA.”