Laura Robertson, CEO, Banner Heart Hospital

Laura Robertson, RN, is chief executive officer of Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa, Ariz. This nationally-recognized Thomson Healthcare Top 100 Hospital boats 111 patient beds and is one of the largest free-standing heart hospitals in the U.S. 

Robertson began her nursing career at Banner Health in 1988 at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center. A cardiac nurse with nearly 20 years experience, she has served in a variety of staff and management positions. Since beginning her tenure at Banner Heart Hospital in 2002, she has assumed a variety of leadership roles including Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) director and interim Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) director.

Her leadership was pivotal in the successful implementation of several innovations designed to enhance patient care and service. These include instituting a hybrid model of the electronic medical record, a fully-operational electronic ICU and cardiac robotics – now one of the fastest growing programs in the country. Robertson also has managed several expansions including the addition of 51 beds in 2004 – just two years after the hospital opened – and additional operating rooms and cath labs.

She is a leader whose passion is as evident as her commitment to her people. According to recurrent results from Gallup Q12 (a third party firm), employees rank Robertson’s leadership and engagement in their development and job satisfaction as “world-class.” She has been nominated by this team for the hospital’s prestigious Guardian Award – an annual recognition that honors top employees, leaders, physicians and volunteers.

Robertson lives in Tempe, Ariz. with her husband Dave and three children: Carly, Abby and Jack and dog Mickey.