The Robert F. Burgin Tribute Setting

This special place at The North Carolina Arboretum has been given in honor or Robert F. Burgin, who retired as the President and CEO of Asheville's Mission Hospitals in December 2004.  The donors are Mission Hospitals Computer Services Department, Mission Hospitals Business Services Department and Mission Healthcare Foundation.

Mr. Burgin led Mission Hospitals for twenty-four years taking it from a regular community hospital to a world-class medical center.  During his tenure Mission has received numerous national accolades and recognition as one of the country's highest quality health care facilities.  This is exemplified in a 2004 national study by the New York-based Commonwealth Fund that put Mission Hospitals among the top four hospitals in the United States for quality care, patient outcomes and cost efficiency.

In 1995 he guided the process that brought St. Joseph's Hospital and Mission Hospital together to create today's Mission Hospitals.  He also encouraged Spruce Pine Hospital and Marion's McDowell Hospital to join the Mission family during his tenure.

He has always been a strong proponent for the well being of children.  During the 1990's he provided the organizational resources and the leadership to create Mission Children's Hospital and also the local Children First organization to serve our youngest citizens.

Bob and his wife Glenda have always been advocates to protect and preserve our mountain environment.  They both have given many hours of community service in a wide array of organizations that have helped to better the quality of life for residents of Western North Carolina.  Bob and Glenda are both strong examples to follow in volunteerism and giving back to the community where you live.

--Text courtesy of Mission Healthcare Foundation