Angie Christian
Chief Operating Officer, Boone Memorial Health
Written by Jennifer Jett-Prezkop
Angie Christian has built an impressive career in health care in the Mountain State by gaining unique, first-hand experience that only comes from working in both the clinical and administrative sides of health care. From being a student in nursing school to chief operating officer( COO) of Boone Memorial Health( BMH) today, her motivation and sense of purpose have remained the same.
“ As a child growing up in Lincoln County, WV, I saw firsthand how limited resources, transportation challenges and the absence of nearby providers could make even basic care feel out of reach,” she says.“ Over time, a sense of duty to help communities like the one I grew up in evolved into a deep commitment to influence quality, access and long-term strategy at a broader level in rural health.”
The path to COO began with Christian earning an associate’ s degree in nursing at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, followed by a bachelor’ s degree in nursing and a master’ s degree in health care administration from South University in Savannah, GA. While attending school, she was also working full-time.
“ My nontraditional education journey, advancing degree by degree while
Photo by Switzer Design & Photography.
progressing professionally, has given me a deep appreciation for lifelong learning and the discipline required to continuously grow,” she says.
From the moment she started nursing school, Christian knew she wanted to work in clinical leadership. Mentors saw the potential in her and encouraged her to step into more challenging roles. The most influential mentor in her career has been Virgil Underwood, CEO of BMH.
“ His influence has grounded me and helped me become a leader who listens first, thinks carefully and leads with intention,” she says.“ I am a better leader because of him.”
As COO of BMH, Christian provides senior-level leadership and strategic direction for operations across the organization. In close collaboration with executive leadership and the board of directors, she leads key initiatives including service line development, facilities and capital planning, strategic purchasing, information technology and electronic health record oversight and clinical quality and performance improvement.
68 WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE