Angie Christian

By Jennifer Jett-Prezkop

Angie Christian has built an impressive career in health care in the Mountain State by gaining unique, first-hand experience that only comes from working in both the clinical and administrative sides of health care. From being a student in nursing school to chief operating officer (COO) of Boone Memorial Health (BMH) today, her motivation and sense of purpose have remained the same.

“As a child growing up in Lincoln County, WV, I saw firsthand how limited resources, transportation challenges and the absence of nearby providers could make even basic care feel out of reach,” she says. “Over time, a sense of duty to help communities like the one I grew up in evolved into a deep commitment to influence quality, access and long-term strategy at a broader level in rural health.”

The path to COO began with Christian earning an associate’s degree in nursing at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in health care administration from South University in Savannah, GA. While attending school, she was also working full-time.

“My nontraditional education journey, advancing degree by degree while progressing professionally, has given me a deep appreciation for lifelong learning and the discipline required to continuously grow,” she says.

From the moment she started nursing school, Christian knew she wanted to work in clinical leadership. Mentors saw the potential in her and encouraged her to step into more challenging roles. The most influential mentor in her career has been Virgil Underwood, CEO of BMH.

“His influence has grounded me and helped me become a leader who listens first, thinks carefully and leads with intention,” she says. “I am a better leader because of him.”

As COO of BMH, Christian provides senior-level leadership and strategic direction for operations across the organization. In close collaboration with executive leadership and the board of directors, she leads key initiatives including service line development, facilities and capital planning, strategic purchasing, information technology and electronic health record oversight and clinical quality and performance improvement.

“Balancing regulatory demands, financial limitations, recruitment and retention challenges and the ongoing need to expand services to meet community needs requires constant adaptability and long-range thinking,” she says. “Rural hospitals must innovate to survive, and that reality guides much of my work.”

The thing Christian loves most about her job is watching ideas turn into outcomes.

“Whether it is opening a new service line, improving quality metrics or watching a team member grow into their potential, I find tremendous fulfillment in the impact we create,” she says.

Working toward health care accessibility for small, rural communities isn’t where Christian’s day ends. Off the clock, she lends her time and talents to several community events. She actively supports Market on Main, BMH’s community farmers market that promotes access to fresh food and supports local growers. She also participates in the annual Thanksgiving Dinner Drive-Thru, community back to school bashes, community clean-up projects, trunk-or-treat events and Merry Madison Christmas activities. Additionally, Christian was recently accepted into the Leadership West Virginia Class of 2026.

“These efforts allow me to play a part in supporting families, strengthening connections and giving back to the communities that trust Boone Memorial with their care,” she says. “Serving the community gives me the opportunity to meet people where they are, build relationships and make a meaningful impact.”

There’s no question why Christian chose to stay in the Mountain State when she could have easily taken her knowledge, skills and experience elsewhere. West Virginia shaped every part of who she is, and she wants to give back to the place that raised her.

“My connection to West Virginia is grounded in gratitude for the people who supported me, the communities that placed their trust in me and the privilege of serving the state that guided my journey,” she says. “Rural communities deserve strong, local access to care, and the opportunity to help build and protect that access is what keeps me rooted here.”