Bonnie L. Phipps
President and Chief Executive Officer
St. Joseph's Hospital

Since assuming her current position in September, 2002, Phipps has overseen an enterprise that is recognized as one of the leading acute-care, specialty-referral hospitals in the Southeast. Saint Joseph's Health System is comprised of the 346 bed, tertiary care facility in north Atlanta, Saint Joseph's Mercy Care Services (an outreach organization ministering to the underserved), Saint Joseph's Mercy Foundation, and Saint Joseph's Service Corporation.  As president and CEO, Phipps responsibilities include establishing and maintaining relationships with diverse constituencies and implementing a strategic vision for the organization while aligning local strategic initiatives with those of Catholic Health East.

What prepares an individual to be a healthcare and business visionary and to interface with multiple and complex constituencies like physicians, medical staff, the board of directors, community agencies, service providers, and families of ill patients?

That's a good question and to find the answer requires a look into Phipps' background.

A strong foundation

Phipps grew up in Baltimore, MD in a traditional family which included an older sister. She herself was a twin, one of a set of different gender twins. "Naturally I was very close to my twin brother. We shared the womb," she said, "and I believe that having a male that close in the birth and maturation process has made me more at ease with men in the business world.  Actually, there is some rather interesting research about girl-boy twins and the impact on each."

 While her father was a judge as are both siblings, she was the one with the "math mind." She was also athletic and loved most sports.  Indications are that these interests haven't changed over the course of her life.

Growing up in the 60's, Phipps was definitely a young woman of the times. She even sang in a rock and roll band and did her share of free-thinking. But when it came time to look for a place to continue her education and to spread her wings away from Baltimore, Phipps followed the suggestion of a girlfriend who moved to Atlanta and she came, too.

She wasted no time finding a job and setting her sights on college.  She went to work as a clerk for Oxford Industries. Fortunately, she had a boss who recognized her potential and natural intellect. Later, when he went to work for Kennestone Regional Hospital, he offered her a position as well - in the accounting department. 

Not knowing exactly what opportunities lay ahead, Phipps began her healthcare career and at the same time, pursued her undergraduate degree in Business Administration at Georgia State University. In 1979, she graduated Summa cum Laude  and a year later, became a Fellow in the Healthcare Financial Management Association and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). While going to school and working at Kennestone, she rose to the position of Controller – an early testimony to her competence and commitment.   

Finding her calling

This self-described "math person" had found her calling in finance and not-for-profit healthcare. She had also established her love of learning and achievement. Becoming a leader in the organizations she would serve was the next order of business. From 1983 to 1986, Phipps was the Chief Financial Officer at Egleston Hospital for Children. "It was rewarding but difficult at the same time," she said, "because of the type of patients we served. No one likes to see children suffer." 

 While at Egleston, Phipps once again demonstrated her ability to multitask.  She returned to GSU at night and in 1987, after taking a new position at Dekalb Regional Healthcare System, she received her Masters in Professional Accountancy. Later she would add Certified Managed Care Professional to her already impressive list of credentials. 

Over the ensuing years, she continued to work hard and take on more responsibility – at Dekalb Regional where she was Assistant Administrator and CFO for eleven years and finally at Promina Health System where she served as president and CEO prior to coming to Saint Joseph's. 

Professionally, Phipps has received numerous awards on the local, state, and national level for her leadership and achievement in the field of healthcare financial management. In 1993, she served as the National Chairman of the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Subsequently, she was awarded the Charles Anderson President's Award by the Georgia HFMA chapter. In 1997, she received the Morgan Award for National Individual Achievement.

Additionally, Phipps has served on at least ten boards and an equal number of special councils and prestigious committees. She is the recipient of the President's Plaque and the Deloitte and Touche Accounting Achievement Award presented by her alma mater, Georgia State University.

Reflections on leadership

 With all she's achieved, Phipps could be resting on her laurels. But this couldn't be further from who she is or where she is today. Her excitement and passion for Saint Joseph's are infectious and sincere.  "I've been here a year," she said, "and it's been great. I've found working in a faith-based healthcare environment more rewarding than anything I've ever done.  Each board meeting begins with "reflection." On the board are some of the most caring, intelligent, and effective women with whom I've ever worked. I'm not Catholic, and yet, the sisters are training lay people like me to continue the mission of the organization. This is a very ecumenical environment."

By Susan B. Hitchcock, Creator of "The Age of SHEroes" – originally published on Turknett.com