United Church Homes and Services, which operates the nonprofit Lake Prince Woods retirement community in Suffolk, has announced the appointment of four new board members, including Dr. Ralph Howell Jr. of Suffolk.

UCHS is working to extend its reach and include engaging new community leaders to promote and support its mission of providing vibrant senior living opportunities, diverse programs of outreach and compassionate healthcare services.

Howell is owner of R.L. Howell DDS & Associates, a large family operated dental practice in Suffolk. He serves as the Advisory Council Chairperson at Lake Prince Woods, a UCHS community.

Howell received his BS in Chemistry from the College of William and Mary and his DDS from the Medical College of Virginia.

Also appointed were Naomi East of Hickory, N.C., Kathie Johnson of Lewisville, N.C., and the Rev. Brad Thie of Newton, N.C.

These four new members join a 15-member UCHS Board under the chairmanship of Jeff Gilliam of Claremont, N.C.

United Church Homes & Services, a nonprofit corporation located in Newton, N.C., operates three continuing care retirement communities, a program for all-inclusive care for the elderly and six affordable senior housing communities across North Carolina and Virginia.