AY’s Intriguing Women 2025: Sammie Cribbs Roberson

Hometown: Burlington, Colorado; Cherokee Village from 1990 to 1999, Harrison since 2007

Occupation: President, CEO, North Arkansas Regional Medical Center

Education: Louisiana Tech University, Northwestern State University, Arkansas State University

Sammie Cribbs Roberson does well to keep a piece of wisdom from her mother front of mind: “You can do anything you want to if you want to do it badly enough.” That advice has followed Roberson as she pursued her associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and as she worked her way up at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison from director of nursing to vice president of clinical services and chief operating officer. Since being named president and CEO in 2022, Roberson has helped strengthen NARMC, its quality of care and its place in the community. She relishes the opportunity to support others as they achieve their goals and feels like the best version of herself when she is giving back or doing something for others.

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

Traveling across the world to see all the mountains, rivers, lakes, streams and beaches while finding areas to help people along the way and make their lives better.

What is a profession you admire but could never be a part of?

Architecture and interior design. I love to see the final project, but I don’t think I could ever get all of the angles, measurements and designs the way I dreamed it to be.

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

The loss of my dad at the age of 5.

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

The day I married my husband or go back and spend one more day with my dad, my grandma or my grandpa.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

A long walk, snuggles with the house manager — i.e. Oakley the blue heeler — some good music and time with family.

What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself?

Mechanical ability. I have absolutely none.

What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?

Oh my — I have so many, I am not sure I can limit it to just one. Those who know me are laughing already. I certainly like to laugh about the time a friend and I decided to go for a hike after it had rained. Apparently, there was some quicksand that I sailed across and looked back to find my friend shoeless in the mud. As everyone passed us by, we continued to dig for the missing shoe. We found it, along with several other shoes that had apparently also been lost in the same place. How do you go hiking and lose a shoe?

What song makes you feel 21 again?

“Real World” by Matchbox Twenty.

Who was your childhood hero?

My grandmother. She had all the answers, never seemed to worry and was always a constant. Even when she was diagnosed with cancer, we got up, drove an hour, got treatment and drove home. I would then go to school, and she would have something for dinner by the time I made it home. She never quit.

What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?

There is always something to do outside and a place to enjoy nature.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

I do not like seafood or any kind of fish. I also am an absolute wimp when it comes to spicy stuff.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list?

Since I have already been skydiving a couple of times, I would say staying in an overwater bungalow where you can see the fish swimming below a glass floor.

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

intelligence, kindness, a sense of humor and humility, ingenuity, and grit.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

To accept Jesus as my lord and savior.

What advice would you give someone who had to walk in your shoes for a day?

Be curious, and wear your running shoes. I like to explore!

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone?

The way they treat someone who can do absolutely nothing for them.

What advice do you wish you had received earlier?

Slow down. The little things matter.

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

Always stay curious, learn new things, be kind, explore new opportunities, and meet new people.