RiverView Health is proud to announce that Mela Hatchett, financial counselor in the Patient Financial Services (PFS) Department, has been named the organization’s 2025 Employee of the Year.
Since joining RiverView in November 2020, Hatchett has served as a trusted guide for patients navigating medical bills and financial assistance programs. Through her compassion, expertise, and dedication, she has helped countless patients better understand their financial responsibilities and options—ensuring they feel supported, informed, and respected every step of the way.
During a surprise presentation, Chief Financial Officer Betty Arvidson praised Hatchett for the care and enthusiasm she brings to her position.
“She’s in the perfect role, that’s for sure,” Arvidson shared. “Her teammates consistently recognize her as a calming force and someone who always puts others before herself. She is deeply loyal to RiverView and wants nothing more than to see our organization succeed. Time and again, she steps up and goes above and beyond. She is a role model in patience, customer service, and accountability.”
The oldest of five children, her family is from Grand Forks, where her father was stationed at the Grand Forks Air Force Base in 1966. He moved to Crookston after the 1997 flood. Hatchett and her daughter, Robyn, moved to Crookston in 2022. Her siblings live in the Twin Cities and Duluth areas.
Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, listening to music, watching K-dramas, and volunteering as a trained Bible study instructor.
When asked about the recognition, she was quick to recognize her coworkers and leadership.
“It’s nice to be noticed and honored,” she said. “I work with excellent teammates in PFS and HIM (Health Information Management). They are quick to respond to my questions and collaborate with me to resolve patients’ billing issues. They generously share their knowledge and experience so I can continue to grow in my understanding of billing and revenue processes. Without this strong leadership and teamwork, I wouldn’t be able to excel in this position.”
Hatchett added that receiving the award from Arvidson, who is about to retire, made the moment especially meaningful, as the two have worked closely together since Hatchett’s first day at RiverView.
Hatchett was selected from an outstanding group of Employee of the Month recipients from December 2024 through November 2025. As Employee of the Year, she received an award and a $1,000 check in recognition of her exceptional contributions.
