Posted: December 9, 2011

Growing up in a rural farming community in North Carolina, Patricia "Pat" Robertson came from a civic-minded family where giving back was important.

"As a teenager, I started to pursue things that I wanted to do," Robertson said. "I told my parents I wanted to work in a community hospital to see what it was like.

"I worked as a candy striper. It was a great introduction to health care and being around the hospital staff."

From candy striper to CEO of Mary Immaculate Hospital and Extended Care Services, Robertson has been in the health care profession for more than 45 years. Her experiences range from clinical to administrative and from pediatrics to geriatrics. She holds a degree in hospital and health services administration and health services management from the Medical College of Virginia. She graduated from Watts School of Nursing as a registered nurse and is a licensed nursing home administrator.

"I've been blessed to have a huge array of experiences in the community," Robertson said. "I have been able to see the whole spectrum of health care, to see things that just don't go on in the hospital."

Working for the fourth largest health care provider in Virginia, Bon Secours, Robertson leads Mary Immaculate with its purpose and mission in mind.

"We're community-focused," she said. "The mission of the Bon Secours sisters is really about taking care of folks who are poor and marginalized. And it's equally important to make sure we are growing, meeting the needs of the community in which we are serving and offering high-quality health care services. "

Darlene Stephenson, chief operating officer at Mary Immaculate Hospital, has worked alongside Robertson for eight years. She praises her work ethic.

"I think most people's first impression of Pat is that she is approachable, friendly, inviting and positive," Stephenson said. "The trait I admire the most is that with tough decisions, she always aligns decisions with our faith-based mission and values and what makes a difference as a health care provider.

"I'm also awed by her ability to juggle multiple balls of high- priority issues as well as see the day-to-day issues for Mary Immaculate Hospital as well as our other facilities," she said.

Robertson thinks it's a great honor to be recognized as a 2011 Woman in Business.

"It's a real privilege," she said. "I'm flattered that folks would think I'm worthy of receiving this award. It's not about me. It's all about the great folks with whom I get to work with on a daily basis and with the folks who get to make a difference in the community from a health care perspective."

- Lakeshia Artis