Today we’d like to introduce you to Monty Robertson.
Hi Monty, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m from small-town South Carolina, growing up in Ridgeway, SC, and Elgin, SC. I grew up with three siblings raised by my mother, a lifelong educator. Over my life, it was instilled in me to help others, so I often volunteered with my family, helping others in the community. I remember packing Thanksgiving meal kits and driving around with my mom to deliver them to seniors and families in need. This began my life purpose: to lead and help others. As I matriculated through school, I became interested in being a leader. It all began with me running for Student Council in 5th grade and going on to serve many times as Class President and Student Body President through middle school, high school, and college.
Health has always interested me, so healthcare administration was a natural fit for me to marry my health and leadership interests. After completing undergrad and receiving my BS in Biology from Furman University, I attended the University of South Carolina, where I received my Master of Health Administration. I completed an administrative fellowship with Lexington Medical Center. I went on to serve as a Senior Consultant with the SC Department of Health and Human Services, leading the South Carolina Birth Outcomes Initiative, nationally recognized collaborative focused on improving the health of moms and babies. I gained valuable experience in this role, which prepared me to later serve as the Executive Director of the Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina.
The Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina is a coalition of more than 60 executive leaders from diverse organizations across the state working together to improve the health and well-being of all South Carolinians. The Alliance aligns health equity-based goals, metrics, and actions across organizations, institutions, and agencies at both the state and community levels and actively connects existing and planned equity-focused work on the policy and practice fronts. The Alliance was founded in 2013 at the South Carolina Hospital Association but has recently become an independent nonprofit organization. It has been an incredible opportunity to lead this effort to improve the health of our state. One of our most notable accomplishments is developing the first-ever South Carolina State Health Improvement Plan, Live Healthy SC.
With 63 members now, we continue to grow and leverage the expertise, experience, and influence of many leaders to work collaboratively to make change in South Carolina. I’ve always had the ambition to be in a position to make significant changes, and I’m so fortunate to have this incredible opportunity. I certainly do not take it lightly, as I know so many people across South Carolina are in desperate need of help and long for a healthier and more prosperous life. I will continue to fight the good fight to get to a place where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am a believer that people are truly the most precious resource. In my career, my greatest challenge is learning how to navigate interactions with diverse types of people effectively. People come with different experiences, personalities, and opinions, sometimes leading to conflict and difficulty in reaching a consensus. Early in my career, one of my mentors advised me on the importance of building rapport. As a young professional right out of college, I was eager to “get things done”. I received this advice and began taking more time to learn about my colleagues, which was tremendously valuable.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I serve as the Executive Director of the Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina. It is a coalition of more than 60 executive leaders from diverse organizations across the state working together to improve the health and well-being of all South Carolinians. We convene this diverse group of organizations, both public and private sectors, to engage in dialogue about how to drive change and achieve health equity.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
First, I give credit to God. I would not be where I am today without his favor and blessings. I also attribute much of my success to my mother, who has inspired me tremendously. I saw her raise a family of four while working and going to college, then going on to have a successful career in education. She taught me the importance of hard work, patience, kindness, integrity, and faith. In addition, I have been very fortunate to have many mentors over the years. With their guidance and advice, I have learned to be a better leader!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.healthiersc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthiersc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthiersc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montyrobertson/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@allianceforahealthiersc
