Meet Greenspring’s Executive Director Melissa Robson

Kelly Shue
November 16, 2022
Greenspring Executive Director

Greenspring, the Erickson Senior Living community located in Springfield, Va., is pleased to announce the promotion of Melissa Robson to executive director.

Robson, a registered nurse, has served as Greenspring's associate executive director since 2018. Throughout her career at Erickson, she has earned the reputation of being a dedicated and effective leader that has a talent for fostering meaningful relationships.

"Melissa's passion for and commitment to the community is very evident, making her the ideal choice for filling this all-important role," says John Mann, Erickson Senior Living's vice president of regional operations. "Her proven leadership skills and expertise in senior living and integrative health care services will ensure that Greenspring continues to be one of Northern Virginia's premier retirement destinations."

Solid foundation

Earning a bachelor of science in nursing from Gardner-Webb University and a master of health administration degree from Pfeiffer University, Robson was well equipped for her desired career in health care.

Before joining Greenspring, Robson served as a senior vice president at Novant UVA Health Systems. In this role, she led the merger and integration of Prince William Health System and Novant Health. But family ties were calling her in another direction.

"I've always been fond of the concept of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs)," Robson says. "For many years, my mom worked at CCRCs in Florida and North Carolina, so I learned a lot about what continuing care entails. I knew I wanted to be a part of an organization that invests in keeping seniors engaged."

Given her 20-plus years of health care experience and background in nursing, Robson was confident in her abilities when she accepted the associate executive director position at Greenspring.

Culture of caring

"The first thing that stood out to me upon arriving at Greenspring was the culture," she recalls. "This is a very inclusive environment - it's amazing how well everyone gets along and how appreciative we all are of each other. To me, it quickly became apparent how passionate the staff is. They are here because, in their hearts, this is where they want to be. There is a commitment to serve others, especially seniors."

This inclusive environment, adds Robson, is found among residents and their families as well. Each day, she looks forward to interacting with residents and building Greenspring's caring culture.

"The residents are one of the main reasons I enjoy working at Greenspring," she says. "Every day, I meet someone new - whether it's a prospective resident, a resident who is new to the community, or someone who has lived here for years."

Maintaining the community's reputation as an outstanding place to live and work has become a personal mission.

"It is a great honor and opportunity to continue to work with and serve Greenspring's talented team members, all of whom are committed to providing residents with an exceptional experience," says Robson.

Prepped and ready

Working side-by-side with Greenspring's former executive director, Robson learned, firsthand, the many facets of her new role.

"As associate executive director, I was given the opportunity to do a lot of observing and relationship building," she says. "Although this is a new role, I'm not really 'new.' Together, with the existing team, we've struck the right chord, and we're ready to move forward."

It's a family calling

Sharing in her passion to serve seniors, Robson's son Brandon joined the sales team at Ashby Ponds, another Erickson Senior Living community located in Ashburn, Va.

In addition, her daughter Bianca, who graduated from George Mason University this past spring, is working at Ashby Ponds part-time before she heads to graduate school to study social work.

"I'm very proud of Erickson Senior Living, and I think the best way to illustrate that pride is to refer others to a similar career," Robson says. "My children love their jobs, and I'm proud of their dedication."

When not at work, Robson, her husband, and often their children enjoy traveling to South Florida. "We love spending time on the water," she says. "You can always find us boating, diving, fishing - really any kind of water activity."

Looking ahead

As she looks forward to the New Year, Robson is excited to celebrate Greenspring's 25th anniversary.

"There is a lot to celebrate when it comes to serving seniors in this area," Robson notes. "And as we continue to invest in the community's growth, my team and I plan on exceeding the expectations of all those who call - or will call - Greenspring home."

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Greenspring, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

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