Health care has always played a major role in Christine R. Wray’s life.  When she was a child, she played in an imaginary clinic in her backyard and enjoyed watching doctor TV shows with her family.  That lifetime love of the health care industry has greatly benefited her.

Wray has served as president and CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital for the past 17 years.  On June 17, she received the 2009 CEO of the Year award through the Leading Edge Awards at the College of Southern Maryland.  The award “celebrates individuals and businesses that spur economic growth and vigor in Southern Maryland.”

She received the award based on leading the hospital toward excellence; demonstrating an outstanding customer service attitude and good financial and business management skills; and her involvement in community affairs and volunteer activities, among a long list of other qualifications.  But Wray believes St. Mary’s Hospital wouldn’t be what it is today without the help of the many dedicated and caring employees.  She feels winning the award is a reflection of the teamwork at the hospital.

"The Board congratulates the community for recognizing Ms. Wray's distinguished service to St. Mary's County and the Southern Maryland region through her leadership at our hospital,” said Linda Dudderar, chairwoman of the St. Mary’s Hospital Board of Directors.  “Her commitment to the patients and for the workforce who serve them each day is commendable.  Her vision to the future and her willingness to think outside the box to assure that our hospital is thriving and able to implement new initiatives while sustaining the wonderful services that it provides is certainly leading edge."