Dish: Jambalaya

Chef Jon Mercer

Company: Novant Health

Title: President, Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center

What can we find you doing when you're not whipping up a dish for Men Who Cook?

Traveling with my family or working on my farm in Western North Carolina.

Why is it important to you to give back (to the SECU Family House)?

As President of Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center, supporting the SECU Family House is important because it extends our mission of compassionate, family‑centered care beyond the hospital walls. It helps remove financial and emotional barriers for families traveling for care, strengthens access and equity, and reinforces our role as a trusted community and regional partner—ultimately improving the patient and caregiver experience while modeling the values we expect our organization to live every day.

What was the first thing you remember cooking?

My first memories in the kitchen were with my mom. She always made the best breakfasts on the weekends and she would let me help her out.

Name a fun fact people may not know about you.

My family owns a 45 acre farm. We raise pigs and cows and sell these products in our butcher shop.

Chef Dr. David Hiller

Company: Novant Health

Title: Colon & Rectal Surgeon

What can we find you doing when you're not whipping up a dish for Men Who Cook?

I am a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon at Novant Health who specializes in minimally invasive surgery for cancer, diverticulitis, and IBD. When I am away from the hospital, I am likely at a youth soccer game somewhere in North Carolina, hiking in the mountains, or making music with friends.

Why is it important to you to give back (to the SECU Family House)?

The SECU Family House is such a amazing resource for our patients and their families. It provides them comfort and peace of mind when they are in an unfamiliar place.

What was the first thing you remember cooking?

Scrambled eggs as a child. I think I've finally gotten my preferred way down, 40 years later!

Name a fun fact people may not know about you.

I own more pairs of boots than all other types of shoes/sandals combined.

Chef Daniel Wall

Company: Novant Health

Title: Patient

What can we find you doing when you're not whipping up a dish for Men Who Cook?

Enjoying our farm. Watching cattle graze and grass grow.

Why is it important to you to give back (to the SECU Family House)?

The SECU Family House has given so much to our community. This is a small amount that we can return.

What was the first thing you remember cooking?

Sausage gravy with my mom.

Name a fun fact people may not know about you.

I own about 100 cows and have had as many as 300 sheep on our farm.