Suffolk resident M. Caroline Martin, RN, MHA, executive vice president of Riverside Health System, retired after 27 years of service at Riverside on Aug. 1.

Prior to assuming her present responsibilities, she was executive vice president and chief executive officer at Riverside Regional Medical Center.

Additionally, her career operational responsibilities have included a wide range of Riverside responsibilities for Riverside’s Wellness Division, Rehabilitation Institute, School of Professional Nursing, Human Resource Development, Schools of Health Occupations, Child Care & Learning Centers, Warwick Surgery Center, Dialysis Program, Business Health Services, Mobile Diagnostic Services, such as MRI, Williamsburg Radiation Therapy Center (board member).

Martin received her Masters of Hospital Administration (MHA) from the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University and her B.S. Nursing Degree from the University of Maine, where she graduated with Phi Beta Kappa honors.

Prior to joining Riverside, Martin held positions in nursing management at Obici Hospital that included director of nursing and nursing supervisor.

Bill Downey, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Riverside notes that during her career at Riverside, Martin &uot;has demonstrated vision and leadership in a variety of areas supporting healthcare advancement such as Wellness, Hospice, and Outpatient Services.

&uot;Caroline’s commitment to Riverside, our patients, physicians, and employees has been exceptional.

We wish her well in retirement,&uot; Downey said.

Martin has also played a key role in Riverside’s support of the community through her involvement and leadership in a wide array of community organizations:

She has been an active member and leader of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the Suffolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, the Hampton Roads Health Coalition, the Foodbank of the Virginia Peninsula, People to People Executive committee member, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the Newport News Rotary Club, Peninsula Health Care, Inc. board member, and numerous other community organizations.

In 2001, she was appointed to the Virginia Preparedness & Security Panel.

She is the creator and editor of &uot;The Riverside Nurse&uot; magazine.

In 2003, &uot;Inside Business&uot; recognized Martin as one of the Top 25 Women in Business.

She also has been recognized for Who’s Who in Professional and Executive Women, Who’s Who in Nursing, and Tribute to Women in Business and Industry.

She is a Diplomat in the American College of Healthcare Executives.

She will maintain a consulting relationship with Riverside with assignments relative to Wellness, Nursing, The Riverside Nurse magazine,Emergency Preparedness, and health

improvement for Virginians.