WHM: Robin Walton Breaks Barriers, Opens Doors at Inspira, Chamber of SNJ
Photo of Robin Walton courtesy of Inspira Health Network
BY CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
VINELAND — When Robin Walton’s name is heard virtually anywhere in South Jersey, it is often tied to leadership, someone who is making a positive impact on the life of others and/or using her power to benefit the region.
That can be no truer than her current positions as senior vice president of external affairs and chief philanthropy officer at Inspira Health Network, or more recently becoming the first Black elected as chair of the executive committee of the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey.
That reputation is statewide. Walton was recently named to the Insider NJ 2025 Powerful Women of NJ by State Sen. Shavonda Sumter. She is the highest-ranking African American Inspira and one of the highest ranking black female health executives in New Jersey.
READ: Robin A. Walton Leads to Entry to Insider NJ 2025 Powerful Women of NJ
For Walton, she said she doesn’t get caught up in the titles or the barrier-shattering accomplishments. She wants to do great work and let the accolades take care of themselves.
“You don’t have to describe me that way at all,” Walton told Front Runner New Jersey after she heard her list of impressive titles. “Amy [Mansue, president of Inspira] brought me here about 3 ½ years ago. She comes from a place of genuinely wanting to transform communities and improve health and wellness. There is such an opportunity in our service region here, and I’m glad to be able to be a part of it in a variety of ways.”
In January, Walton became the board chair of the South Jersey Chamber of Commerce. She said despite her trailblazing elevation, she is honored to be serving with many of the members and to have the faith of many of its leaders.
“I’m just so proud to be a part of the work that’s happening and our continued commitment to economic development, stability and equity in our communities,” Walton said. “Business development in our region needs a lot of support. We want to make sure that we are bringing visibility and keeping folks informed and focusing on what impacts small businesses as well as large.”
Walton said there has been many discussions within the chamber about DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) among well-respected members along with working with businesses through COVID-19 and is proud of how the body is standing strong against forces seeking to do away with such initiatives.
She added that she hopes that everyone feels welcomed by her presidency at the chamber and that they can use the chamber’s resources to flourish as local business members.
“There are opportunities to learn and grow as business leaders and owners, so I have already felt and seen some of that bubbling up where people want to get engaged in a different kind of way,” Walton said. “I would want to think that some of it might be due to my presence, but honestly, I think it’s more so because people understand the culture and commitment of the organization.”
Walton said she wants to be able to spend her time at the chamber and Inspira creating avenues to transform and improve communities, speaking for the voiceless and those who are not at the table of decision makers.
“For me, it’s continuing to identify ways that really align with my passions and commitment to lean into supporting additional improvements to our communities, but also to the service of the region,” she said.
“What I can tell you is that I have been on a path where I have focused on doing the work and the opportunities that are align with what I would have for myself and what God would have for my life have always fallen into line. I don’t expect that to change at any time.”
Walton said she is a proud South Jerseyan, born and raised and Burlington County, lives in Camden County and works for the residence in Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties with Inspira. In short, she believes in South Jersey and is all in for the region.
“I am committed to the success of the people in South Jersey,” Walton said. “I’m committed to the success of people who look like me and people who don’t.”
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