CHI St. Vincent’s Megan Roberts has been named one of Catholic Health Association’s Tomorrow’s Leaders, recognizing her commitment to advancing and securing the mission of Catholic health care. Roberts, who serves as CHI St. Vincent’s director of orthopedics, was among 11 individuals across the country aged 40 and under who were recognized for their intellect, strong work ethic, emotional intelligence, resourcefulness and enthusiasm for strengthening Catholic health care.

“We couldn’t be more proud of Megan, who’s empathy, energy and commitment to compassionate care was evident from the first moment she joined CHI St. Vincent as an Administrative Fellow during graduate school,” said CHI St. Vincent CEO Chad Aduddell. “She’s dedicated to changing lives for the better and making the greatest impact possible. As proud of her as we are now, we’re even more excited to see her amazing accomplishments still ahead.”

From her first experience at a local hospital at age 16, Roberts knew that she didn’t simply want to work in healthcare, but wanted to lead. She also realized that with the greatest challenges came the greatest opportunity to improve lives. Since joining CHI St. Vincent in 2015, she has addressed those challenges with remarkable spirit and enthusiasm. During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Roberts developed the protocols for hospital reception desks to serve as health screening stations. After working on a health needs assessment for one Central Arkansas Community, Roberts even reached beyond her role and resources to partner with outside organizations to address obesity in low income communities by funding local soccer clubs and walking paths. She is currently championing the move of joint replacement surgeries to an ambulatory setting to ease the cost burden on patients and families.

“I believe that everyone should have access to quality, compassionate and low cost healthcare,” said Roberts. "I also like problem-solving and improving processes. If there's an opportunity that's good for the patient or our community, I want to find a way to make it happen."

Roberts is also a member of CommonSpirit Health’s national Emerging Leader Program for both clinical and nonclinical leaders and is an alumnus of the Leadership Greater Little Rock program aimed at developing competent leaders for both present and future community needs. She also serves on the Advisory Board for Jericho Way, focused on the support and function of a Day Resource Center for populations experiencing homelessness in Central Arkansas. Roberts earned her graduate degree in healthcare administration from Cornell University.