CHARLESTON, SC, October 22, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Judy L. Starling has been recognized for achievement in healthcare.

Mrs. Starling currently serves as chief executive officer of Palmetto Digestive Disease & Palmetto Endoscopy Center, a role she has held since 2025. In this capacity, she is responsible for organizational growth of both clinical and ambulatory surgical centers, overseeing all organization operations, negotiating insurance contracts, improving budget and capital cost, and obtaining our ASC certifications. She manages all operational functions necessary to maintain organizational efficiency and collaborates closely with the billing director to improve and grow revenue. Over the past year and a half, the organization has experienced significant revenue increases while reducing accounts receivable. Mrs. Starling regards her appointment as chief executive officer as her most notable achievement, reflecting on her journey from entry-level positions to executive leadership. She takes particular pride in having demonstrated her knowledge and expertise while remaining approachable to employees at every level of management.

Additionally, Mrs. Starling has served as CEO at Palmetto Digestive Disease & Endoscopy Center since 2025, where she continues to contribute to the center's operational excellence. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its reach across South Carolina, operating three locations in North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Summerville and constructing a new ambulatory surgery center at its third site. The center was named Best Gastroenterology Practice in South Carolina by Best of South Carolina in September 2026, an honor that underscores its standing within the state's healthcare community. The organization remains privately owned and is committed to further expansion throughout South Carolina.

Prior to her current roles, Mrs. Starling served as ambulatory practice administrator at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Inc. from 2016 to 2025. In this position, she oversaw multiple departments, including ophthalmology, ear, nose, and throat, and gastrointestinal services, and managed approximately 150 employees, including physicians and nurses. Her responsibilities included operational oversight of budgets and workflow redesign, mentoring other practice managers and supervising department managers.

From 2016 to 2025, Mrs. Starling also served as practice manager and administrative assistant to the chairman at Ear Nose & Throat Associates/GBMC Otolaryngology Department. Her tenure involved supporting departmental leadership and contributing to daily operations.

Earlier in her career, Mrs. Starling was a practice manager III for the Department of Otolaryngology, the Department of Ophthalmology and Hoover Low Vision at Greater Baltimore Medical Center from 2003 to 2016. She began her career at the entry level before advancing through increasingly responsible positions over nearly three decades in medical administration.

Throughout her professional journey, Mrs. Starling has developed expertise, inspirational leadership, a passion for her work, and a dedication to organizational success. She is a member of several industry organizations, including the American College of Gastroenterology, the Medical Group Management Association and the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.

Mrs. Starling earned a Bachelor of Science in health administration from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix in 2024 at age 50. Her academic achievement was inspired by encouragement from family members and strengthened by mentorship from Dr. Brian Kaplan, who motivated her to pursue goals she once thought unattainable. She credits her determination never to give up as a key factor in her ongoing success as an effective leader.

Her commitment extends beyond professional obligations to civic involvement, such as volunteering with work charity events and actively participating in her local church community in South Carolina.

Recognition for Mrs. Starling's contributions include being named one of the Women in Health Leaders in South Carolina by HealthLinks in February 2026, after only a year and a half in the state — an honor conferred by a board of medical leaders that recognizes women making an impact in healthcare. Additionally, under her guidance, Palmetto Digestive Disease & Endoscopy Center received the Best Gastroenterology Practice distinction in South Carolina from Best of South Carolina in September 2026.

Born in Union, Mrs. Starling is devoted to spending time with her grandchildren and enjoys relaxing at the beach near her home while remaining active within her church community. Looking ahead, she plans to continue driving strategic revenue growth across Palmetto Digestive Disease & Endoscopy Center's multiple locations while expanding practices and establishing a strong reputation for exceptional patient experience. For Mrs. Starling, balancing patient experience with employee engagement remains a critical priority as she leads the organization into its next phase of growth and service excellence.

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