Rebecca Phillips
Say hi to Rebecca Phillips, the Supervisor of Wellness Operations at the Vidant Wellness Center, in Greenville, NC. She has been with the facility since their original opening in 2000!
Rebecca has a BS in Recreation & Parks Management, an MS in Recreation Sciences and an MBA in progress. All from East Carolina University. Rock on Rebecca!
We caught up with Rebecca recently and here’s what she had to say…
What do you enjoy most about your work?
A strong work ethic is something that has been engrained in me since childhood; as long as I am productive, I’m happy…but sharing experiences with others is what makes work enjoyable! Whether it is working shoulder to shoulder with fellow team members or building relationships with our clients, having the opportunity to meet different people is what turns it into far more than a job.
What led you to choose this field?
Born & raised on beautiful Kerr Lake (NC), I was influenced by an adventurous family who loved hiking, camping, & a variety of water activities; while I had several career interests, not having passion in my work was never an option. I’ve loved the water my whole life, so I was extremely fortunate that my first Wellness Center position as a Lifeguard/Swim Instructor continuously evolved over the years into roles such as Pool Operator, Aquatics Supervisor, Aquatics Coordinator, and Wellness Operations Manager. If timing is everything, then hard work & fate played a big part in my career path.
What has been your favorite/most successful initiative at your fitness/wellness center?
I have acquired several accolades over the years (VH President’s Shining Star Award, VH Emerging Leader Program, VH Evolving Perspectives, Aquatics International Magazine “Best of Aquatics”, multiyear USWFA Awards, etc.); but it is being part of this legacy from the very beginning, as well as having the opportunity to play an active role in our reopening, that means more to me than words could ever express. I was one of the “home grown” & now I can use my experience to be a resource to others, in an effort to make this reimagined business successful all over again.
What one piece of advice would you give to those just coming into this field of medical fitness?
Bring passion, work hard, & enjoy the journey!
Why did your facility become a member of the Medical Fitness Association?
Being an entity of our healthcare system & a medically modeled facility, it is important that our quality & safety values align with an organization that supports progressive training, collaborative networking, & continued resource. I attended my first MFA Conference in 2019 at the Orlando Convention Center & I certainly intend to return for as many as feasible in the future!
What do you like to do outside of work?
Life is short, so I try to enjoy spending as much time as possible with my spouse & golden doodle, as well as our families & friends. In addition, I am a competitive swimmer, turned triathlete; I have completed two Ironman 140.6 races & enjoy the variety that training for multisport events brings.
Are you involved in any charity/community work?
We are avid supporters of the MS Society, fundraising for research & raising awareness through annual Bike MS events (https://mssociety.donordrive.com). Also, we have gotten involved with Cedarbridge Baptist Church (https://cedarbridgechurch.com).
Thank you, Rebecca, for inspiring us all!