Know Your Leader

Debra LaPorte, RN


Contact us

Compiled by John Brieske, Pulse managing editor. Do you work with someone who’s an exceptional leader? If so, please send email to jbrieske@ajc.com.

Current job: Director of critical care, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.

Family: Husband, Philip. Children, Connor, 24; Kathleen, 20; and Kailyn, 17.

What makes a good leader? "Someone who shows interest in their employees and encourages them to continuously find ways to make improvements."

What are you most proud of in your career? "I enjoy continuous learning, and working in pediatric intensive care has provided that opportunity."

Who has inspired or mentored you? "Mary Beth Bova, who is a vice president at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta."

What's your favorite thing to do away from work? "Participate in my children's activities."

Who's your favorite fictional nurse? Why? "I love Nurstoons because I think it helps to laugh at yourself at times."

What's your favorite guilty pleasure? "Suduku."

Tell us something that nobody at work knows about you: "I come from a large family and have 12 siblings."