MBA program recognizes alumna with distinguished award

Bernadette Spong ’78 G’07 P’09 P’10 was honored for her significant contributions to her profession, community and alma mater.

The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business’ MBA program recognized Bernadette Spong ’78 G’07 P’09 P’10 as its 2013 Distinguished Alumna of the Year during a May 23 dinner.

Spong is the vice president of finance and chief financial officer at Rex Healthcare, a private, not-for-profit health care system that treats nearly 34,000 inpatients each year. Responsible for the organization’s revenue cycle, supply chain, strategic planning, treasury function and accounting functions, Spong has brought a transparency to the finance team that has led to a more open understanding of the financial issues affecting the organization.

Spong serves on the boards of many local organizations, including Elon University’s Martha and Spencer Love School of Business Board of Advisors, the Girl Scouts North Carolina Coastal Pines Council and the United Way of the Greater Triangle Women’s Leadership Council Steering Committee.

She has received many accolades for her professional leadership and service to the community, most recently being named to the Becker’s Hospital Review list of “120 Women Hospital and Health System Leaders to Know.”

A certified public accountant, Spong holds a bachelor’s degree in history and an MBA from Elon.

Bill Burpitt, associate dean of the Business School, says Spong demonstrates the value of the Elon MBA experience. He recalls a short video about the program, in which she detailed how she and her fellow students, along with Adjunct Assistant Professor of Management JoAnn Buck, worked together crafting and refining their resumes. She then tells how she used that resume to apply for the CFO position at Rex Hospital, which she now holds.

“We are fortunate to have many fine MBA alumni,” Burpitt says. “Doubly so in those who stand out as exemplars of the very best the program can be. Bernadette is such a person.”

Spong and husband Rick have two children, both Elon alumni. Son Taylor graduated with an accounting degree in 2009 and works at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Daughter Halley graduated in 2010 with a communications degree and works for a public relations firm in Wake Forest. 

Spong delivered the MBA Commencement address May 24, 2013.