Peggy G. Pollard, RN, BSN, MSL, has spent more than four decades advancing health care. She currently serves as the lead nursing executive at Oracle Health, overseeing the nationwide implementation of an electronic medical records (EMR) system for the Veterans Affairs (VA) health care system. In this role, she leads efforts to form strategic partnerships and improve health care delivery through innovative solutions, influencing the health care landscape at a macro level.
Ms. Pollard’s educational foundation has played a pivotal role in her success. She holds a Master of Science in leadership in organizational change from Pfeiffer University and a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Lynchburg College, where she graduated magna cum laude. Additionally, she is a registered nurse, certified by Virginia Baptist School of Nursing. These academic achievements have equipped her with the technical expertise and leadership skills necessary to drive meaningful change in the health care industry.
Ms. Pollard’s career began in 1981 as a registered nurse, and her passion for nursing was sparked by a deep desire to help others. Over the years, she has accumulated a wealth of experience and achieved numerous milestones. One of her most notable accomplishments was founding a school of nursing, which gained full accreditation and a 100% pass rate in its first year—a remarkable feat in the field. Additionally, she has been instrumental in implementing large-scale projects, including introducing innovative products in hospital settings and her involvement with MCKESSON’s premier site, where she helped introduce technological solutions to enhance patient care.
Beyond her immediate roles, Ms. Pollard has actively engaged with several professional organizations, including the American Nurses Association, the American College of Healthcare Executives, and the American Nursing Informatics Association. Her dedication to the field has been recognized with awards such as the Beacon Award and the Award for Career Pathways from the American Nurses Association, further cementing her reputation as a leader in health care. Ms. Pollard’s commitment to lifelong learning has been a driving force throughout her career, allowing her to continually adapt to the evolving health care landscape and seize new opportunities.
Throughout her career, Ms. Pollard has been guided by great mentors and has collaborated with many other professionals to drive change. She has always been strategic and results-driven, focusing on the big picture while fostering collaboration among team members. This approach has allowed her to manage large-scale initiatives with success, including the implementation of the VA’s EMR system, which will impact millions of individuals and revolutionize health care delivery for veterans. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ms. Pollard is deeply committed to community service. She volunteers with organizations such as Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center and is actively involved in her local church. She believes in giving back to the community and making a positive impact professionally and personally.
Outside of work, Ms. Pollard enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Larry, have four children, two of whom have pursued careers in health care and technology. Ms. Pollard’s dedication to improving patient care and her drive to leave a lasting impact on the health care system is reflected in her ongoing work with the VA’s EMR implementation and her plans to continue consulting at a national level, contributing to the advancement of health care for years to come.