2025 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: Elwood Boone III

Known as Bernie, Boone moved back to Virginia from Texas, where he was CEO of San Antonio’s HCA Metropolitan Methodist Hospital, in 2012. In addition to opening a new ICU at his hospital, he helped open the VB Strong Center in 2019 following the Virginia Beach Municipal Center shootings. Boone is a Richmond native.

FIRST JOB: Summer camp counselor at the North Richmond YMCA

MOST MEANINGFUL JOB: Serving as a hospital administrator has given me an opportunity to collaborate with other health care professionals to improve health care delivery, outcomes and the health of the community. I am proud to have been part of the development of the VB Strong Center, which provided support to individuals impacted by the 2019 shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center.

WHOSE FOOTSTEPS I’M FOLLOWING: I am a fourth-generation health care provider. My father is a retired physician, and my maternal grandfather and great grandfather were dentists, as is my sister. My wife, a public health physician, also comes from a family of health care providers.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: As an alumnus of an HBCU, I am proud of my service as a former member of the Norfolk State University Board of Visitors. Education is my second passion, instilled in me by my paternal grandparents’ lifelong service as educators.

FAVORITE PLACE I’VE TRAVELED: Martha’s Vineyard, because of its natural beauty, summer traditions and sense of community. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, and you can appreciate the simple pleasures of being present in the moment.