Submitted photo
Jill Kennedy, left, vice president and chief nursing executive at Memorial Regional Medical Center, and Robin Johnson, nurse manager in Labor and Delivery, are shown in one of the birthing areas at the Mechanicsville hospital.

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For the fourth year, the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE) has recognized Bon Secours Richmond, which includes Memorial Regional Medical Center in Mechanicsville, in its Top Companies for Executive Women awards program.

The honor stems from Bon Secours Richmond’s commitment to recruiting, developing and advancing women. Of the more than 7,000, about 85 percent of Bon Secours Richmond’s employees are women.

“I think, for the hospital, it reflects a focus and promotion for females in the work force and a commitment from Bon Secours for its female employees and female executives,” said Jill Kennedy, vice president and chief nursing executive at MRMC.

Robin Johnson, nurse manager in Labor and Delivery at MRMC, informed her director “many years ago where I wanted to go with the organization.” She has attended what she called some major conferences and serves in a team leader role.

“Succession planning for nursing leadership is a priority and a passion of mine,” Kennedy said. “Robin’s a great example of internal talent and on track for the next couple of years to the next level.”

Kennedy started as staff nurse 21 years ago and now she is “at the highest level as a nurse executive. The opportunities are boundless. Robin and I are just two examples; there are plenty of examples throughout the organization.”

“Being the best is something that is ongoing,” Johnson added. “Sustainability is the key,” Kennedy said.

As for receiving the honor several times, Kennedy said “it’s our culture, part of our commitment.”

MRMC has more than 600 nurses on staff and, Kennedy said, the designation is “a real testament to nursing care and nurses here.

“We have created a culture where nurses want to be.” And it’s paid off.