‘People of The Pearl’ meets Sgt. Gerald Hunter
At the heart of The Pearl’s vibrant and energetic campus stands Sgt. Gerald Hunter, a guardian whose warmth and resilience has touched and protected countless lives. More than just the lead Public Safety officer, Hunter is a familiar face whose own journey, from patient to protector, embodies the spirit – and holiday spirit – of community that defines The Pearl.
Hunter and his team’s focus is clear: to ensure that everyone feels safe, supported and at home.
“I oversee Public Safety’s daily operation of The Pearl and collaborate with our tenants to ensure that their security needs are being met, as well as try to be a resource and a welcoming face to all,” says Hunter. “This allows everyone to perform and learn at their best without concerns about safety.”
Hunter was born in Wilmington, North Carolina but has lived in Charlotte most of his life. Over the years, he’s seen the city and Atrium Health grow up around him.
He became a public safety officer in 2004, at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, where he remained until The Pearl opened this year. Promoted to sergeant 12 years ago, he has supported countless patients through both their most challenging and joyful times, always striving to be a steady source of comfort and reassurance, all while serving to keep them safe.
Hunter’s cheerful spirit extends beyond his security duties. While he guards the doors, he also decks the halls!
Hunter has a history of trading his security uniform for a velvety red suit to become Santa Claus at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital. It’s a jolly role that’s as fun as it is important.
“It’s about bringing joy to a child who is stuck inside a hospital and not able to be happy at home,” Hunter says. “I know what it was like as a kid being in the hospital during the holidays.”
He remembers that same feeling of joy when Santa visited him in the hospital as a child.
At 12, Hunter was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri with hydrocephalus, a neurological condition where fluid builds up in the brain. He underwent his first brain surgery that same year. Since then, he’s had more than 30 surgical procedures at Atrium Health to address ongoing challenges in his brain, heart and other areas.
Having experienced firsthand the life-saving care provided by Atrium Health, Hunter found it a natural choice to dedicate his career to protecting the health care system that played such a pivotal role in his own journey.
“I’ve had a lot of really good health professionals care for me,” Hunter says. “I’m standing here today because of them.”
In his free time, Hunter enjoys cheering on the Carolina Panthers as a season ticket holder, taking in the outdoors, and observing the wildlife that prances through the backyard at his and wife, Anna’s, home. Anna Hunter is a staff assistant at Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute.
At work, he considers his team as family too, valuing the collaboration and shared commitment they bring each day. Under the direction of Director Jeff Oliver and Manager Chris Brown, the team is responsible for patrolling every corner of The Pearl, keeping students, teammates, tenants and visitors safe.
“I wouldn’t be able to do it without our team and I can’t commend them any more,” Hunter says.
He’s excited to be part of this brand new chapter at The Pearl, which he describes as forward-thinking, dynamic and inspiring.
“It’s a great feeling to be part of the inaugural team at this district and know that the things they’re doing here are going to really change the way that patient care is delivered worldwide,” Hunter says.
