Kerrissa Richards MacPherson, '11
Finding a meaningful career is one of the most daunting tasks faced not only by college students but also by people in all stages of their careers. This process is personal, and often, it leads to surprising places. That is what Kerrissa Richards MacPherson, ’11, Senior Health Program Coordinator for Bon Secours Richmond Health System, Inc., discovered.
When MacPherson arrived at the University of Richmond in the fall of 2007, she never expected that she would one day work in healthcare administration. MacPherson began college with the intent to attend medical school after graduation and pursued degrees in both biology and leadership studies.
“As I got closer to graduation, I realized that while I wanted to be in the healthcare industry in some capacity, I enjoyed the communication aspects of my Jepson classes more than the analytical aspects of my Gottwald classes,” remembered MacPherson.
MacPherson decided to pursue a path in healthcare administration, which she describes as “a constantly shifting mix of medicine, business, leadership, communication, community outreach, networking, analysis, and meetings.” This mix married her analytical medical background with her communications-focused leadership studies experience.
A personal experience, the death of a close family friend, inspired MacPherson to pursue healthcare administration with a focus on seniors. The passing of the man MacPherson calls “an adopted grandparent” showed her how she could use her background in health and leadership to provide compassionate care to people in later stages of life.
“My family took turns being with George throughout his final weeks. I was with George, holding his hand, as he passed from this life into the next. I learned so much through his life and his death about the importance of Advanced Care Planning and discussing End of Life preferences before it is too late, about Medicare, about senior wellness and health initiatives to keep seniors out of the hospital as long as possible, and about myself.”
In her role at Bon Secours, MacPherson engages in both internal administration and external community outreach. She develops strategic plans, plans events (including networking opportunities with senior-related organizations in Richmond), coordinates educational outreaches, represents Bon Secours at health fairs, and attends internal administration meetings to advocate for seniors and to promote senior-friendly policies across the health systems.
“I feel privileged to be in a role where I can be in the healthcare industry and simultaneously engage with individuals and with nonprofit organizations in the Richmond community,” said MacPherson
MacPherson’s advice to Jepson seniors who are wrestling with the big questions of finding meaningful work is straightforward. First, consider not only the salary of a position but also the benefits, as they might matter more in the long run. MacPherson stresses the importance of benefits like healthcare, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and paid time off, and she points out that companies have different cultures and approaches to balancing work with personal life. Second, she says, look at a position from an ideological standpoint.
“Try to find a job that encourages you to use your strengths and education not only for the good of the organization but for the good of the community,” said MacPherson. “In the long run, this will lead to more fulfillment in your day to day work.”
Of course, finding rewarding work is not the end of the story. For MacPherson, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Nonprofit Studies from the School of Professional and Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond, finding fulfillment is a process of constant learning.