BY PARKER SULLIVAN

The people of Mariemont are said to live in a “bubble.” Little crime, lots of gossip, and the only real conflicts are things like: projected rain on trick-or-treat. To Chief Operating Officer of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and distinguished Mariemont alum, Scott Hamlin, the word “bubble” is too derogatory. He sees this community in a different light.

“The broader Mariemont school district is, first and foremost; a community; it is something of an extended family” says the distinguished alum of his alma mater.

Hamlin accredits his school district for shaping him and getting him ready to take on the world.

The community of Mariemont allowed Hamlin to pursue any of his interests. He was comfortable and encouraged to try new things.

“There were parents, teachers, school administrators, coaches, friends, clergy and business people who all took an interest in me” explains Hamlin. He asserts that this “family” of which he was a part, inspired him to succeed in life.

Hamlin believes that, in all journeys, there is not success without catching a few breaks. While some call this luck or good fortune, Hamlin likes to refer to a teacher he once had when defining the breaks.

“I had a teacher/coach at Mariemont by the name of Jack Orrison who was very fond of repeating to me, ‘Hamlin, luck is where preparation meets opportunity,’” says Hamlin.

Hamlin elaborates by asserting that opportunity is always around us. Sometimes a person is prepared for the opportunity but many times they aren’t. No one can ever succeed without preparation.

“I think what Mr. Orrison was trying to teach me was that our journey through life is best approached as a constant preparation for opportunities,” says Hamlin.

He continues to say that without the preparation and the inspiration he acquired while at Mariemont, no accomplishment would have been possible.

This preparation led Hamlin to a life of success. After becoming the first college graduate in his family (University of Cincinnati), Hamlin took on the world of business. He became a certified accountant and never lost any passion for learning along the way.

“Education and training were the cornerstones of my journey and my best advice is never, ever stop learning,” says Hamlin.

Hamlin also attributes passion, in and of itself, as a key to his success. He explains that his climb of the corporate ladder would have never ended where he currently is without passion.

“Love what you do and discipline yourself to believe that you can and will make a difference,” says Hamlin.

Hamlin’s love for business got him to the Chief Financial Officer of Cincinnati Children’s and in March of 2012 Hamlin became executive vice president and Chief Operating Officer.

“Those who have worked with Scott know his passion for our vision and mission, and his commitment to improving outcomes, experience and value for patients and families,” says Michael Fisher, president and CEO of Cincinnati Children’s, of Hamlin’s promotion to the new position.

“He has demonstrated the strong business, financial, management and leadership skills needed for this important new executive position,” says Fisher.