Hong Potomski
Florida Blue, Market Leader
Mentorship is important regardless of how old you are, whether you are giving mentorship or receiving mentorship from others.
Hong Potomski is market leader for nine counties—Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Holmes, Washington, Jackson and Calhoun. In her role, she leverages her extensive background in health care strategy and operations to lead the development and execution of market strategies, establish and nurture key partnerships, and drive results to improve the overall health and well-being of the Panhandle. Before she was born, her parents faced unimaginable adversity, beating the odds to escape the Vietnam War in pursuit of the “American Dream.” It’s no surprise that Hong Potomski has displayed the same determination to succeed as she navigates her own journey, from first generation college graduate to a leader in the Pensacola community.
What are the top three lessons you’ve learned from hearing about your parents’ journey to freedom and witnessing their pursuit of success?
I’m grateful for parents who chased a dream and built a foundation for my brother and me. They’ve taught me the importance of a strong family unit and how supporting each other is critical in life. Their persistence and grit during hard times has taught me to never accept the status quo and to always push for more. My parents are givers, always lending a helping hand. I’ve learned that if we can impact one person or one family, all is good in the world.
What are the top three ways UWF has impacted you, both personally and professionally?
I am proud to be an Argo! It is because of UWF that I was presented with an opportunity to kick off my career in healthcare. With the relationships I built and the education I received, I was able to establish a strong foundation to support my career goals. I worked while attending school full time, so I was able to apply what I learned from both settings, which impacted me personally and professionally.