Nancy Godby, MS-MHA, MA, RT(R)(M) ARRT, CHC, is the director of radiology at Cabell Huntington Hospital Inc. She loves her job and looks forward to arriving at her office each day.
“I love the challenge each day brings and the sense of accomplishment with the completion of major construction projects,” Godby said.
“The landscape of health care has changed so much over my career, never so much as the past three years with the pandemic. I have had the opportunity to work for multiple organizations and count myself lucky to have been able to travel and participate on all levels of patient care,” she said.
However, her radiology career almost didn’t happen. She, fortunately, took some friendly advice that kick started a successful career.
“I stumbled into medical imaging quite by accident as I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduating high school,” she recalled. “A family friend recommended I look into a hospital-based radiology program. I applied, was accepted, and the rest is history.”
Godby considers her education, along with her family, among her greatest achievements.
“Beyond my family, completing two master’s degrees and rising to a senior leadership position with LifePoint Healthcare serving as the chief operating officer and compliance officer assigned to Logan Regional Medical Center in Logan, West Virginia,” Godby said when asked to describe her greatest accomplishment.
She also said, “Family is everything. I have two adult children and am very proud of their accomplishments.”
As an imaging leader, giving back and boosting others to new levels are priorities.
“My approach is to be a transformational leader, guiding my leadership team and supporting their professional development,” Godby said.
“As you can imagine, I have had many mentors throughout my career. The one that sticks out the most is one of my university advisors who was also my thesis sponsor,” she said. “The biggest lesson I learned from him was to always be supportive, provided guidance and demand professionalism. I will never forget all the support and confidence he instilled in me during our time together.”
Her mentor also instilled a desire to serve as a mentor to others.
“I have had the privilege to mentor radiology leadership at multiple organizations as well as being a volunteer mentor for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Student Leadership Development Program,” Godby said.
When asked about the future of imaging leadership, she sees a bright future based on the bright individuals she works with at Cabell Huntington Hospital Inc.
“I have more than one very capable and competent potential leader within my current department, and we have been working to ensure ‘someone’ is ready to take my place at my departure. Our organization has a leadership academy to plan for future leaders to step up when the time is right and I am urging them to participate” Godby said. •
Nancy Godby
MS-MHA, MA, RT(R)(M) ARRT, CHC
1. What is the last book you read? Or, what book are you reading currently? Our public library has a robust audio book collection and I am currently listening to “The Power of Choice” by Michael C. Hyter and I recently completed listening to “Becoming” by Michelle Obama.
2. Favorite movie? “Doctor Zhivago”
3. What is something most of your coworkers don’t know about you? My husband is a drummer and he and I were on a CD made by some friends on which I sang. The CDs were purely for fun and were not distributed.
4. Who is your mentor? My current mentor(s) are my leadership team. I like to think we mentor each other. I found this recently and it is so true: “Great leaders aren’t know-it-alls who continuously try to outshine everyone. It’s not about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about building a team with the most intelligent people. You become an inspirational leader when you have the humility to build a team with people more intelligent than you.”
5. What is one thing you do every morning to start your day? I enjoy 30-40 minutes of quiet meditation followed by the morning news with a great cup of coffee.
6. Best advice you ever received? When an opportunity comes your way, always be the first to raise your hand and volunteer.
7. Who has had the biggest influence on your life? My parents and family.
8. What would your superpower be? I am the most organized person you will ever meet and can capture notes almost word for word when writing and am even better if I have access to a computer to type. Also, my drive to be a lifelong learner.
9. What are your hobbies? Sewing, gardening, and, my most favorite, would be walks on any sunny beach.
10. What is your perfect meal? I realize most people would not think of West Virginia as being in the South, but we love Southern dishes. It is hard to pick just one, but some of my favorites would be fried chicken, potato salad, (mine is the best), green beans, and yeast rolls with sweet tea. Can’t forget dessert – German Chocolate cake. And, by the way, it must all be homemade from scratch. Nothing store bought.
