Becker's is thrilled to honor noteworthy healthcare CNOs. Chief nursing officers are responsible for tackling nurse staffing shortages, managing nursing budgets, and developing professional growth opportunities for up-and-coming nurses.
In addition to overseeing nursing departments at their organizations, CNOs spearhead innovative initiatives to ensure high standards of patient care. These leaders bring a unique combination of clinical expertise and executive leadership skills to their roles.
Note: Becker's Healthcare developed this list based on nominations and editorial research. Leaders do not pay and cannot pay for inclusion on this list. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of the leaders or organizations mentioned. We extend a special thank you to Rhoda Weiss for her contributions to this list. Leaders are presented in alphabetical order.
Contact Anna Falvey at afalvey@beckershealthcare.com with questions or comments.
Paula Agosto, RN. Senior Vice President and System CNO at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. As system CNO for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Ms. Agosto oversees a department of more than 7,000 nurses and clinical care staff. Under her leadership, the implementation of innovative staffing, recruitment and onboarding initiatives has resulted in exceptional staff engagement and turnover rates lower than industry benchmarks. These efforts culminated in the prestigious achievement of a fifth Magnet redesignation. Beyond the nursing field, Ms. Agosto successfully led the launch of an Enterprise Mission Control Center at the system, which has significantly improved patient placement, ensured timely patient throughput, and fostered strong cross-departmental partnerships. In January 2024, she joined The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania board of directors.
Debra Albert, DNP. CNO of NYU Langone Health (New York City). Dr. Albert has been with NYU Langone Health since April 2020. She oversees the nursing staff for the health system, which includes six inpatient locations and a large network of outpatient clinics and services. The health system earned top rankings in patient safety and quality of care from Vizient for the past eight years, and in 2021 was recognized as a top performer in the Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership annual ranking. Before her current role, she served as the senior vice president and CNO of UChicago Medicine.
Dawn Alexander. CNO for DCH Health System (Tuscaloosa, Ala.). Ms. Alexander is the system CNO at DCH Health System, a 787-bed nonprofit hospital spanning two campuses. She manages over 1,200 staff members and a budget exceeding $125 million, providing leadership for critical departments like ICU, NICU, and emergency services. As DCH's first African American female executive in its 100-year history, Ms. Alexander brings more than 35 years of leadership experience. Since joining, she has reduced nurse-to-patient ratios and improved RN turnover rates, while significantly boosting employee engagement and patient experience. She also initiated DCH's first community health fair, serving over 800 attendees annually. She was recently honored with the University of Alabama's "Janet Awtrey Leadership Award" for her contributions to nursing excellence.
Jim Allard, DNP, RN. CNO of Medical City Arlington (Texas). Dr. Allard serves as CNO for the 433-bed Medical City Arlington, leading over 630 nurses and partnering with other executives to provide outstanding clinical quality, patient outcomes and care experiences. As an LGBTQ executive leader, he champions DEI initiatives for the nursing team and the hospital's 1,600 employees and 900 physicians. In 2022, the Dallas Business Journal honored Dr. Allard with its Leaders in Diversity Award. He has been working within the broader HCA Healthcare system since 2013 and was promoted to CNO of Medical City Arlington in August 2022.
Marco Alvarado, MSN, RN. CNO for Harlingen (Texas) Medical Center. Mr. Alvarado serves as CNO at Harlingen Medical Center, where he oversees over 200 healthcare workers, including nurses and staff in various departments such as surgery, radiology and infection control. His leadership focuses on ensuring seamless collaboration between departments, fostering an integrated approach to patient care in a region with significant socioeconomic challenges. Under Mr. Alvarado’s guidance, the medical center has received numerous clinical awards, including six consecutive "A" grades for patient safety from the Leapfrog Group, the only hospital in Cameron County, Texas, to achieve this. Mr. Alvarado is also involved in community activities and has contributed to scholarly work on pressure ulcer reduction, earning recognition from the Texas Healthcare Association.
Dianne Aroh, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (Tacoma, Wash.) and CommonSpirit Health's Pacific Northwest Division. Ms. Aroh oversees patient care for 11 hospitals and more than 300 sites. She also manages a $300 million budget. Since joining Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in 2021, Ms. Aroh has implemented innovative strategies to address staffing challenges, including virtual nursing teams and redefined roles for licensed practical nurses and pharmacy technicians. Her efforts have improved nursing retention by 12%. She led the adoption of new care delivery methods during the Covid-19 pandemic and a major system merger. She has participated in executive panels and community boards, including the Tacoma economic development board and the Washington State Hospital Association. She previously held executive roles at Hackensack (N.J.) University Medical Center and Bronx, N.Y.-based Montefiore Health System.
Jacqueline Attlesey-Pries. Vice President of Operations and CNO at Boulder (Colo.) Community Health. Ms. Attlesey-Pries is a leader in providing high-quality healthcare services to the Boulder community. She sets standards of care, supports the nursing staff and care teams, creates policies with departmental leaders and supports the overall patient and team-centered care at the health system. During the pandemic, she led the Boulder Community Health team by remaining optimistic, picking up extra shifts and providing care to hospitalized Covid-19 patients. She first joined the system in 2011.
Natalie Baggio, DNP, RN. President, Chief Nursing Executive and COO at Corewell Health, Southwest Michigan. A passionate and energetic leader, Dr. Baggio first joined Corewell Health in 2017 to lead a team of more than 900 nurses. She took on the additional role of president in July 2024. She now leads care delivery for three hospitals, 53 outpatient locations and 500 physicians across Southwest Michigan. She brings over 15 years of healthcare leadership experience to her position.
Trish Baise, DNP, RN. Chief Nurse Executive for ECU Health (Greenville, N.C.). In 2023, Dr. Baise was appointed chief nursing executive at ECU Health, a 1,708-bed academic healthcare system serving over 1.4 million residents. She has spearheaded the advancing nursing practice and excellence initiative, aimed at enhancing nursing practices and culture across the organization. Her leadership has resulted in a 40% reduction in nursing turnover rates, a 38% decrease in catheter-associated urinary tract infections and a 45% reduction in central-line associated bloodstream infections. Under her guidance, ECU Health Medical Center achieved Magnet recognition for the third consecutive time.
Deborah Baker, DNP. Senior Vice President for Nursing at Johns Hopkins Health System, Vice President of Nursing and Patient Care Services and CNO at The Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore). Dr. Baker works with leaders across the hospital and health system to ensure clinical practice is patient-centered and evidence-based with unsurpassed clinical quality and patient safety, while contributing to education and research. She has created strategies to promote and support growth of a flexible nursing workforce, including a supplemental staffing office, and implemented initiatives to increase the voice of front-line nurses at all levels of decision-making. She first joined The Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1992 as a clinical nurse and held nursing leadership roles prior to her current position. She is also the associate dean for health systems partnership and innovation at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing and a member of its advisory board. Dr. Baker received the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumna Award and is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.
Kathy Baker, PhD, RN. CNO for UVA Health (Charlottesville, Va.). Dr. Baker joined UVA Health from Richmond, Va.-based VCU Health, where she spent more than 30 years in nursing leadership roles, including associate chief nurse and associate vice president. At VCU Health, she spearheaded initiatives to strengthen the nursing workforce, enhance patient safety and improve operational efficiency, leading to significant advancements in staffing models and emergency services. Additionally, she has led an ongoing emergency department transformation initiative aimed at reducing patient wait times and increasing satisfaction. Dr. Baker will be inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in November 2024.
James Ballinghoff, DNP, RN. Chief Nurse Executive at Penn Medicine (Philadelphia). In his role of chief nurse executive, Dr. Ballinghoff oversees the nursing enterprise at Penn Medicine. The enterprise includes more than 11,000 nurses across six acute-care hospitals, a home care operation, and dozens of ambulatory sites. For more than 25 years, he has driven progress in clinical processes and outcomes, patient and family experience, quality metrics and professional nursing development. He has overseen improvements in inpatient and ambulatory operations, informatics, advanced practice, professional development and community practice. Before his appointment as chief nurse executive at Penn Medicine in 2022, Dr. Ballinghoff was the CNO and associate executive director at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. There he led the hospital to two Magnet hospital redesignations and was key in moving Penn Medicine’s level I trauma center from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Among other recognitions, Dr. Ballinghoff is a recipient of the Philadelphia Tri-State Nursing Excellence Award for advancing and leading the profession.
Jeremiah Bame, RN. CNO at Piedmont Athens (Ga.). With 15 years of progressive leadership roles at Piedmont, Mr. Bame excels in leading clinical integration of the Piedmont Athens acquired system facility, specifically in quality of care and patient safety, where he also supports the safety coach program. His management of cultural changes across multiple service lines has resulted in improved staff engagement and top quality and ratings. Under his leadership, nursing turnover rates at Piedmont Newton in Covington, Ga., were below the industry average and exceeded system goals. He previously served as the system’s manager of productivity where he provided consultative, technical and decision-making support on financial and operations improvements as well as Piedmont Newton Hospital's CNO. He started his career in 2006 as a staff RN in Piedmont Atlanta’s medical-surgical ICU before becoming its charge nurse.
Rhonda Beane. CNO for Mercy Health–Springfield (Ohio) Market. Ms. Beane has served as CNO for Mercy Health–Springfield since 2019, where she leads nursing teams across a regional acute care facility and a rural critical access hospital. She is known for her compassionate, hands-on leadership style, regularly rounding on units and connecting with staff, providers and patients. Ms. Beane emphasizes servant leadership, building a team that reflects Mercy's core values and consistently pushing for quality improvements and better patient outcomes. She promotes educational opportunities to help staff reach their full potential and frequently recognizes excellent clinical work. Prior to joining Mercy Health, Ms. Beane held leadership roles at St. Louis University Hospital and University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, overseeing surgical services and patient care.
Dale Beatty, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive of Stanford (Calif.) Health Care. Dr. Beatty has been with Stanford Health Care for seven years, overseeing a team of nurses. He has more than 20 years of experience in nurse leadership roles, including programs that earned the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. He was recognized as one of U.S. News & World Report's "Top 15 Hospital CNOs" in 2021 and is a board member for the Association of California Nurse Leaders.
Stefanie Beavers, DNP, RN. Chief Nurse Executive at OU Health (Oklahoma City). In her role since March 2023, Dr. Beavers brings over a decade of health administration leadership experience, in addition to several years in nursing clinical practice. Focusing on elevating nursing practice and culture, she established the office of the chief nurse executive, advancing a triad leadership model to emphasize quality, safety and patient experience. She launched the OU Health nursing professional practice model, aligning nursing with organizational values to achieve exceptional care and outcomes. As assistant dean of clinical practice for University of Oklahoma Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing, she enhances education and career advancement. She builds high-performing teams, encourages professional development, and fosters a culture of reliability and belonging. Under her leadership, OU Health improved workforce stabilization. Its employed-student conversion process has 65% of students training at OU Health committing to work in OU Health upon completion of studies. Consequently, student nurse clinical placements increased by 48% and staffed bed capacity rose, supporting a 9.5% increase in admissions. The nurse residency program was repositioned, and the tiered skills acquisition model improved competency and transition to nursing practice, while reducing nursing contract labor. She previously served as CNO for Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health in Oklahoma City and associate CNO at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford.
Carol Biggs, DHSc. Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive of Jackson Health System (Miami). Dr. Biggs served as the CNO of Jackson Memorial Hospital for nearly four years before taking on her current role as senior vice president and chief nursing executive of Jackson Health System in February 2021. She oversees nursing operations for the health system, which includes six hospitals, a network of urgent care centers, two long-term nursing facilities, and multiple primary and specialty care centers. She received her doctor of health science degree from Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Nova Southeastern University.
Monica Bologna. CNO of West Jefferson Medical Center (Marrero, La.). Ms. Bologna began her career as a bedside nurse and has risen through the ranks to her current role as CNO of the 419-bed West Jefferson Medical Center. With a profound humility and unwavering commitment to advancing patient care, Ms. Bologna has implemented initiatives supporting staff education, mentorship, and work-life balance, which resulted in a nursing retention rate of 85 percent in 2022. She has also played a pivotal role in the creation of the medical center's new neuro critical care unit.
Jennifer Bond, DNP, RN. Vice President and CNO of Springfield (Ill.) Memorial Hospital. Dr. Bond is the vice president and CNO at Springfield Memorial, a 500-bed academic medical center known for its level I trauma and comprehensive stroke services. She oversees patient care services, nursing practice activities and acute behavioral health services while leading efforts to maintain the hospital's Magnet designation, achieved four consecutive times. Dr. Bond has also expanded the role of licensed practical nurses in care teams and established a central staffing office, resulting in a 5% increase in inpatient discharges and a 9% decrease in length of stay.
Kit Bredimus, DNP, RN. CNO and Vice President of Nursing for Midland (Texas) Health. Dr. Bredimus leads nursing operations at Midland Memorial Hospital, a 293-bed acute care facility. Under his leadership, the hospital has achieved a four-time American Nurse Credentialing Center Pathway to Excellence designation and holds dual accreditation for its nursing residency and fellowship programs. Since becoming CNO in 2019, he has navigated multiple crises, including a rooftop fire, a mass shooting and the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Bredimus also serves as an educator at Texas Tech University and The University of Texas Permian Basin.
Maria Lariccia Brennan, DNP, RN. CNO at University Hospital (Newark, N.J.). Dr. Brennan provides leadership and direction for University Hospital's nursing team, planning and directing the functions and activities of patient care across several different service lines. She also works to promote excellence in patient care services. She establishes strategic goals and objectives that align with hospital values and directs the development and implementation of new policies, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory environments. She also fosters personal growth among the nursing team, encouraging creativity and innovation while building an environment for nurses to thrive. Within her first months at the hospital, she implemented a program that empowers nurses to claim their voices and feel confident enacting changes at all levels of their organizations. She has also taken strides towards reinforcing the backbone of the hospital and ensuring a brighter and more compassionate future for the staff.
Ruby Brewer. Chief Nursing and Quality Officer for East Jefferson General Hospital (Metairie, La.). Ms. Brewer has served as the chief nursing and quality officer at East Jefferson since 2013, after initially joining as chief quality officer in 2011. With a robust clinical background spanning nursing, laboratory, radiology, rehabilitation and trauma services, she has significantly impacted operational excellence and quality management at the hospital. Ms. Brewer began her nursing career in Mississippi in 1979, before holding various leadership roles at Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview, Texas for 22 years.
Alquietta Brown, PhD, BSN, RN. Vice President of Nursing for Inova Neuroscience and Inova Behavioral Health Services and Chief Nurse Executive for Inova Mount Vernon Hospital (Falls Church, Va.). Dr. Brown is responsible for overseeing the nursing practice with direct oversight of Inova Mount Vernon Hospital's nursing and daily operations. Dr. Brown also works as a spokesperson for Inova's nurses, representing the system's mission, vision, values and strategic direction. She is experienced in operational execution and strategic planning and team development. She also excels at integrating and coordinating patient-centric nursing strategies to produce high quality, cost-effective healthcare. In 2023, she helped the system expand with a new 20-bed adult behavioral health unit and post-acute care hospital.
Sarah Brown, MSN, RN. CNO for UnityPoint Health (West Des Moines, Iowa). As a leader at UnityPoint Health, Ms. Brown has played a pivotal role in developing a virtual nursing program that reimagines care delivery and supports staff retention post-pandemic. This year, she participated in a national virtual nursing panel with executives from nine other health systems to share insights and develop a best practices framework for virtual nursing initiatives. Under her guidance, UnityPoint Health became one of the first organizations nationwide to credential certified acute-care virtual registered nurses, showcasing the team's capability to provide high-quality care in both physical and virtual settings.
Susan J. Brown, PhD, RN. Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and CNO of City of Hope (Duarte, Calif.). Dr. Brown offers strategic vision, leadership, and guidance to the nursing practice and patient care in her role as senior vice president of patient care services and CNO at City of Hope. She oversees patient care encompassing nursing, clinical nutrition, rehabilitation services, and respiratory and cardiac diagnostic laboratory services, and is responsible for practice and care standards in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Brown's leadership led to the creation of the role of "Senior Clinical Trials Project and Training Specialist," bridging the gap between clinical trials and patient care, emphasizing education and collaboration among nursing staff and researchers. She is also responsible for the initiation of the Nursing Coalition for Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice in June 2020. Previously, Dr. Brown served as CNO for The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University. Dr. Brown was also honorably discharged from the Air Force having attained the rank of captain.
Kevin P. Browne. CNO for Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital and Lenox Health Greenwich Village (N.Y.). Dr. Browne oversees nursing practice and patient care delivery at Northwell’s Manhattan campus, which includes Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital, Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, and Lenox Health Greenwich Village. Since joining the organization less than a year ago, he has implemented strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the visibility and influence of nurses in achieving clinical excellence and patient safety. Dr. Browne emphasizes a supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and empowers nursing professionals to participate in decision-making processes. His focus on mental health and professional fulfillment aims to restore joy in nursing, which in turn aids in staff retention and recruitment while enhancing patient care standards. Under his leadership, Northwell Lenox Hill has earned multiple accolades, including a 4-year Magnet designation and high rankings in U.S. News & World Report for 2024-2025. Previously, Dr. Browne held senior roles at St. Joseph’s Health in Syracuse, N.Y. and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
Deborah Bryant, DNP, RN. CNO for Mercy Health–Toledo (Ohio). Dr. Bryant is the CNO for Mercy Health–Toledo, overseeing nursing practices across seven hospitals and a free-standing emergency department. In this role, she is responsible for key outcomes, including patient satisfaction, safety and quality metrics, while also managing workforce recruitment, retention and development. Under her leadership, the Toledo market has reduced its reliance on agency nurses and lowered turnover rates to 13%. Dr. Bryant also led the successful onboarding of over 400 staff following the closure of a major hospital in the region. In collaboration with Mercy College of Ohio, she pioneered a nurse immersion program to provide BSN students with compensated clinical hours, easing their financial burden and fostering a seamless transition to employment.
Karen Buman. CNO for Myrtue Medical Center (Harlan, Iowa). Ms. Buman has more than 30 years of experience in nursing and organizational leadership, earning her the trust of clinical staff, medical personnel and administrative peers. She oversees a broad range of services, including inpatient and outpatient care, emergency services and laboratory operations, while also serving as a liaison to the hospital's auxiliary. Advocating for nursing excellence, Ms. Buman implemented a nursing career ladder and residency program to enhance training, engagement and retention amid staffing challenges.
Marie Burdett, MSN, RN. CNO at East Georgia Regional Medical Center (Statesboro). A nurse for 34 years, Ms. Burdett has been CNO at East Georgia Regional Medical Center for the last eight years. During that time, she has been credited with helping to decrease nurse turnover from 31% to 14% while improving patient safety, quality and patient satisfaction. Under her leadership, the medical center has improved its CMS star rating. During her tenure, the medical center has received many awards and accolades, including an accredited chest pain center with primary PCI and primary stroke center certification.
Debbie Burke, RN, DNP. Chief Nurse and Senior Vice President for Patient Care at Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston). Dr. Burke leads the five-time Magnet designated Massachusetts General Hospital, which NurseJournal identified as one of the top 15 hospitals to work as a nurse. Dr. Burke’s strategic leadership has been focused on workforce development, particularly for diverse staff. Her efforts focus on entry into clinical practice and the creation of fellowships to advance diverse leaders. Her vision for professional practice has received significant donor support of more than $27 million which is used to fund staff education, professional development, wellbeing, research/scholarship initiatives and innovation. She has also secured funding for five endowed, named positions in nursing and other health professions. At the Mass General Brigham system level, she chairs the chief nurse council, which comprises 14 CNOs and focuses on advancing nursing practice and quality outcomes, expanding nursing education, expanding DEI and belonging, leveraging technology, and promoting efficiency and effectiveness of initiatives. Dr. Burke is currently the primary investigator for a joint relationship with University Hospitals Leuven in Belgium through the Magnet4Europe initiative.
Stacie Call, MSN, RN. CNO for Mercy Health–Lorain (Ohio) Hospital and Mercy Health–Youngstown (Ohio) Hospital. Ms. Call serves as the cross-market CNO for Mercy Health–Lorain and Mercy Health–Youngstown, where she leads nursing operations across multiple facilities. She ensures high-quality patient care through standardized protocols, strategic planning and the integration of new technologies. Ms. Call’s leadership has significantly reduced nursing turnover and reliance on agency staff, all while fostering professional development through initiatives like the student nurse extern program. She played a key role in opening a 32-bed Covid-19 unit in 2020, overseeing staffing models and protective equipment protocols. She also sought to strengthen the hospitals' health equity efforts by engaging minority communities in vaccine outreach. Ms. Call's leadership also contributed to three successful Magnet designations.
Jessa Cardelli, BSN, RN. CNO for Riverview Regional Medical Center (Gadsden, Ala.). Ms. Cardelli plays a pivotal role in leading the nursing and ancillary departments at Riverview Regional Medical Center, ensuring high-quality patient care and resource management. She aligns strategic goals with the organization's mission, fostering a positive work environment and implementing evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes. Ms. Cardelli has significantly improved patient satisfaction by promoting leadership rounds and addressing concerns promptly, and she has led efforts to reduce nurse turnover and boost staff engagement. Under her leadership, the medical center achieved a 96% completion rate for the culture of safety survey, promoting a strong safety culture. Ms. Cardelli is also a member of the Etowah County leadership board.
D’Andre Carpenter, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and Enterprise Chief Nurse Executive for Allina Health (Minneapolis). Dr. Carpenter joined Allina Health in 2023 as the organization's first senior vice president and chief nursing executive, marking a significant milestone for the system. He is tasked with enhancing patient satisfaction, operational excellence and clinical service delivery. Dr. Carpenter builds on Allina Health's established nursing workforce development initiatives aimed at improving retention, recruitment and the education of clinical nursing staff. His leadership emphasizes the importance of equity and inclusion for both employees and patients, aligning with Allina Health's strategic response to the evolving healthcare landscape. Committed to advancing the organization's mission, he collaborates with nurse leaders to bolster quality, safety measures and patient care experiences.
Timothy Carrigan, PhD, RN. CNO and Vice President of Patient Care Services for Loyola University Medical Center (Maywood, Ill.). Dr. Carrigan, CNO at Loyola University Medical Center, oversees nursing operations at the 547-bed academic facility, recognized for its four-time Magnet designation for nursing excellence. Managing 2,000 full-time employees and a $295 million budget, he has driven significant improvements in patient care and workforce stability. Under his leadership, key nursing-sensitive indicators saw notable declines, including falls with injury and pressure injuries. His efforts also led to a 15% improvement in first-year nurse retention and post-pandemic workforce stabilization. Dr. Carrigan co-developed an academic partnership that expanded nursing research and academic appointments. He also implemented a new clinical nurse leader model to enhance care delivery. His work earned him the "Mentor of the Year" award from the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders in 2023.
Linda Carroll, MSN, RN. CNO and Vice President of Patient Care Services for Saint Peter's Healthcare System (New Brunswick, N.J.). Ms. Carroll oversees all impatient nursing operations at the 478-bed acute care teaching hospital. With a career spanning 40 years at Saint Peter's Healthcare System, Ms. Carroll has fostered a strong commitment to education, leading the development of a nurse residency program and establishing partnerships with academic institutions that have resulted in an 82.18% nursing degree attainment rate, surpassing the national benchmark. Under her leadership, the hospital has achieved its sixth consecutive Magnet designation for nursing excellence.
Sherry Casali, RN. Chief Nursing Executive and Vice President of Patient Care for UnityPoint Health–Meriter Hospital (Madison, Wis.). Ms. Casali has nearly 35 years of nursing and leadership experience, including successfully managing the child and adolescent psychiatry and emergency services program. Under her leadership, UnityPoint Health–Meriter has maintained a 5-star quality rating from CMS. Her efforts in enhancing patient satisfaction and care quality have led to UnityPoint Health–Meriter earning the "Outstanding Patient Experience" award from Healthgrades for three consecutive years from 2021-23. Ms. Casali also played a pivotal role in fostering a successful relationship with SEIU Wisconsin, promoting a balance between patient and nursing needs.
Lindsey Casey, MSN, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO for Children's Hospital New Orleans. Ms. Casey oversees all nursing practice areas and supports strategic priorities at Children's Hospital New Orleans, including the pursuit of Magnet designation. She also serves as the service line executive for the center for cancer and blood disorders and neonatology, two key programs within the hospital. She began her career at Children’s in 2001 as a nurse tech in the pediatric ICU and has since advanced through various leadership roles, including PICU director and senior director of critical care. Prior to her current position, Ms. Casey was the assistant vice president of hospital operations, managing vital hospital services such as lab, pharmacy and radiology.
Shannon Castellano. CNO of Mt. San Rafael Hospital and Clinics (Trinidad, Colo.). Ms. Castellano is responsible for overseeing all nursing departments and ensuring the highest standards of patient care. Her leadership encompasses daily operations, strategic planning, and the implementation of clinical practices that prioritize patient safety and quality care. Ms. Castellano has successfully driven innovation in nursing by integrating evidence-based practices and advanced technologies, including remote patient monitoring and telehealth services. Under her guidance, the hospital has experienced improved patient satisfaction scores, reduced readmission rates and high safety ratings due to her comprehensive overhaul of nursing protocols. She is also dedicated to talent management, fostering a supportive work environment that enhances staff engagement and reduces turnover. She actively promotes professional development through training and mentorship, preparing the nursing team for future healthcare challenges. In addition to her operational roles, she emphasizes community outreach and patient-centered care, ensuring that patient voices are heard.
Trish Celano, MSN, RN. Senior Vice President, Associate Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Nursing Executive at AdventHealth (Altamonte Springs, Fla.). Before being named to her current roles, Ms. Celano served as AdventHealth's senior vice president and regional chief clinical officer for the Central Florida Division-North Region as well as senior vice president and CNO for AdventHealth Orlando. She has more than 25 years of nursing and patient care experience. Her experience also includes serving at AdventHealth for Children as the facility's first CNO, where she led the hospital to earn a prestigious Magnet designation, which recognized the hospital for excellence in nursing.
Jesus Cepero, PhD, RN. CNO and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services for Stanford Children’s (Palo Alto, Calif.). Dr. Cepero oversees nursing operations across outpatient, treatment and inpatient settings. He is recognized for creating collaborative administrative structures that enhance service delivery. In 2024, he led the organization in achieving Magnet recognition. Dr. Cepero champions holistic patient care, emphasizing the importance of addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the patients while also fostering a diverse workforce.
Anna Cerra, DNP, RN. CNO of Greenwich (Conn.) Hospital. Dr. Cerra has served as the CNO and senior vice president of patient care services for Greenwich Hospital since 1999. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she led the hospital in caring for nearly 120 Covid-positive patients, helping to convert nonpatient care areas into patient rooms. In addition to her hospital duties, Dr. Cerra was appointed to the International Catholic Committee of Nurses and Medico-Social Assistants Pan American Nurse Consulting Team, for which she advises Catholic hospitals worldwide on best practices.
Jennifer Chiusano, BSN, RN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive for Deaconess Health System (Evansville, Ind.). Ms. Chiusano oversees all nursing services with a focus on high-quality, patient-centered care and professional development for nursing staff. With a 30-year career in nurse leadership, she has implemented evidence-based policies that ensure compliance with regulatory standards while participating in strategic planning to enhance healthcare delivery. Notably, her guidance led the Deaconess Gateway/Midtown team to achieve exemplary results during a Magnet survey amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Shannon Christian, MSN, RN. CNO and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services for Lawrence + Memorial Hospital (New London, Conn.) and Westerly (R.I.) Hospital. Ms. Christian leads more than 1,000 nurses across Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and Westerly Hospital, focusing on reducing infections and delivering patient-centered care. Under her leadership, a virtual nursing program has doubled its staff in six months, helping to significantly reduce patient length of stay and facilitating nearly 900 discharges. With over 28 years of nursing experience, she has held various leadership roles, including director of patient care services and administrative director of heart, vascular and critical care.
Mary Christoffersen, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO of Bridgeport (Conn.) Hospital. Dr. Christoffersen serves as the senior vice president and CNO at Bridgeport Hospital, overseeing nursing operations across its two campuses and multiple ambulatory sites. With a focus on performance improvement and care coordination, she prioritizes educating nursing professionals and fostering collaboration among clinical teams. Dr. Christoffersen is leading the hospital’s pursuit of Magnet designation for nursing excellence, aiming to elevate patient care standards. She has also introduced virtual nursing at the hospital, offering new learning opportunities for both novice and experienced nurses. Her leadership drives patient care improvements, staff engagement and the hospital's financial growth.
Natalia Cineas, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive and Co-Chair of Equity and Access Council for NYC Health + Hospitals. As the clinical lead for the largest municipal public health system in the U.S., overseeing over 9,600 nurses, Dr. Cineas plays a key role in ensuring quality, safe and cost-effective nursing care across more than 70 locations, serving 1.4 million patients annually. Her responsibilities include managing nursing operations across 11 hospitals, post-acute care facilities and correctional health services, as well as driving equity and access initiatives. Her recent accomplishments include negotiating the largest-ever contract with the New York State Nurses Association, securing a $52 million gift for a nurse practitioner program at Hunter College and implementing a $75 million medication management system. Under her leadership, the nursing workforce has stabilized, retention rates have nearly doubled and systemwide nursing practices have been standardized. Additionally, she is aiding the system in its efforts to seek Magnet and Pathway to Excellence recognition for individual facilities.
Alesia A. Coe, DNP, RN. CNO and Vice President Patient Care Services for The University of Chicago Medical Center (Hyde Park, Ill.). Dr. Coe oversees the nursing practice of more than 2,500 nurses and manages multiple fiscal budgets. With more than five years at the institution, she has successfully integrated the organization's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives into the nursing shared governance structure, enabling successful outreach to the South Side of Chicago community through health screenings and educational programs for aspiring nurses.
Sarah Currie, MSN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Memphis, Tenn.). Ms. Currie leads the institution’s Magnet-recognized nursing program. St. Jude also offers a nurse residency program, an accredited practice transition program that allows new nursing graduates to learn about the different patient care areas prior to accreditation. Ms. Currie and her team offer externships with experienced nursing staff in a highly specialized pediatric oncology environment. Last year, Ms. Currie was honored with the national March of Dimes Excellence in Leadership Award, which recognizes nursing executives for successful leadership balanced with meaningful and engaging care of staff, patients, families, and their community.
Vicki Curtis, MSN, RN. CNO for USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital (Mobile, Ala.). With over two decades of experience in women’s healthcare, Ms. Curtis has driven key initiatives aimed at improving maternal and neonatal outcomes, including a partnership with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to reduce perinatal and maternal morbidity. Under her leadership, USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital was one of only five nationwide chosen for IHI’s program targeting postpartum care inequities for Black mothers. Ms. Curtis also spearheaded new initiatives like the AdaptX data collection program and an at-home blood pressure monitoring system for new mothers at risk for preeclampsia. Her innovative “I Gave Birth” medical bracelet program, designed to improve postpartum care, has launched as a statewide pilot in Alabama. Previously, Ms. Curtis held leadership roles in labor and delivery departments at hospitals in Alabama, Florida and the UK.
Tammy Daniel, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO for Baptist Health (Jacksonville, Fla.). Dr. Daniel serves as the senior vice president and CNO of Baptist Health, overseeing nursing operations for Jacksonville’s largest non-profit healthcare organization. With 36 years of experience in nursing, Dr. Daniel plays a pivotal role in strategic planning, recruitment, retention and professional development across the six-hospital system. She was instrumental in the 2022 opening of a new adult hospital and pediatric critical care tower, as well as the transition to the Epic EHR system. Under her leadership, Baptist Health achieved its fourth consecutive Magnet designation for nursing excellence, a distinction held by only 9% of U.S. hospitals. She also helped Baptist Health’s four adult hospitals receive “A” safety grades from The Leapfrog Group in 2024. Dr. Daniel has led innovative initiatives, including an internal traveler staffing model and the introduction of Moxi, a robot assisting nurses with nonclinical tasks.
Doug Dascenzo, DNP, RN. CNO at Trinity Health Michigan (Canton). Dr. Dascenzo has more than 30 years of experience as a practicing nurse and as a leader in the healthcare industry. In his current role, he oversees leadership and direction for more than 300 facilities within the state. He plans and implements Trinity's strategic nursing plan, with a focus on workforce development, job satisfaction and patient safety and quality outcomes. He also helped the system to implement a nurse residency program. Additionally, he has championed self-care for nurses at the facility in an attempt to improve burnout rates.
Holly Davis, BSN, RN. CNO for Bingham Healthcare (Blackfoot, Idaho). Ms. Davis oversees acute care nursing for two hospitals and multiple departments. With 29 years of nursing experience, she has held various leadership roles, including chief quality officer and director of quality-strategic plan and population health, which she held for seven years. Ms. Davis designed and led the hospital's population health program, which has expanded to a team of five RNs, a data analyst and several care coordinators. Her initiatives, including the introduction of provider scorecards, have led to significant improvements in key health metrics, such as a 41.3% increase in depression screening and a 12.06% rise in fall risk screening, surpassing national medians. Under her leadership, Bingham Healthcare has committed to investing in tools and staffing to track patient data effectively, benefiting a community of 55,000.
Erica DeBoer, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO of Sanford Health (Sioux Falls, S.D.). Ms. DeBoer is CNO for Sanford Health, which serves over a million patients and is the largest rural health system in the country. She has been instrumental in leading systemwide initiatives aimed at leveraging technology, AI and automation to solve for unprecedented nursing workforce shortages. She has also helped to lead an expansion of workforce development programs to build a stronger pipeline of the next generation of caregivers. With her help, the system has welcomed nearly 300 internationally educated nurses to date and intends to onboard an additional 400 foreign nurses over the next three years.
Sally Deitch, MSN, RN. Executive Vice President of Nursing and Operations Infrastructure for Ascension (St. Louis). Ms. Deitch oversees nursing practice, operations and regulatory compliance across all care sites within Ascension. She also serves as the regional operating officer for Ascension’s markets in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, ensuring strategic alignment and operational consistency across hospitals and ambulatory facilities. She previously held roles as CNO and market CEO for various hospitals within Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare and as CEO of Oklahoma University Medical Center Edmond. In recognition of her leadership skills, Ms. Deitch received the Corris Boyd Leadership Award from the American Federation of Hospitals, among other honors. She serves on multiple boards, including the American Hospital Association regional policy board and Trinity University board of trustees.
Dina Dent, DNP, RN. CNO and Vice President of Medicine Service Line for Inova Fairfax Hospital (Annandale, Va.). With 26 years of diverse nursing experience, Dr. Dent has successfully led strategic initiatives that have significantly improved patient care, reduced nurse turnover from over 17% in 2022 to less than 13% in 2024, and decreased contract staff costs by $67 million. Under her leadership, Inova Fairfax Hospital exceeded national benchmarks for nursing-sensitive indicators and patient experience metrics in 2023 and graduated over 900 new nurse residents, achieving a 70% conversion rate of nurse externs. She is involved in the Johnson & Johnson nurse innovation fellowship program and enhances workplace culture by participating in podcasts with the Healthy Workforce Institute.
Jane Denten, MSN, BSN. CNO for UnityPoint Health–Trinity (Rock Island, Ill.). Ms. Denten, CNO for UnityPoint Health–Trinity, oversees nursing practice and leadership across its Iowa and Illinois locations. With over 30 years of nursing experience, she leads service line growth, care standardization and regulatory compliance. Ms. Denten, who officially took on the CNO role in October 2023, is focused on workforce development, strategic planning, and advancing nursing careers through mentorship and residency programs. Her leadership emphasizes high-quality care, patient satisfaction and nurse engagement, working closely with care teams through regular interaction. Ms. Denten also spearheaded efforts to integrate virtual nursing and serves on the board of the Quad City Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Melody Dickerson, DNP, RN. CNO and Senior Vice President of Hospital Operations for VHC Health (Arlington, Va.). Dr. Dickerson, CNO and senior vice president of hospital operations at VHC Health, leads 67% of the hospital's staff, including over 1,000 nurses. Her leadership has been critical in aligning patient care services with VHC Health's strategic goals, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, where she improved employee morale and reduced contract staffing by 70%. She spearheaded key initiatives like the interprofessional code sepsis program, which improved sepsis mortality rates by 21%, and oversaw the development of the $250 million outpatient pavilion to enhance patient care access. Dr. Dickerson also launched the innovative "earn while you learn" program, designed to produce more practice-ready nurses, and a mentorship program that boasts an 89% retention rate.
Janeé Dock, RN, MSN. CNO at Piedmont Augusta (Ga.). An experienced nursing administrator who has risen rapidly through the leadership ranks to the top, Ms. Dock is Piedmont Augusta’s first African-American CNO, and the first African-American female on the executive leadership team in the hospital’s 205-year history. She oversees patient care services across the three hospitals that make up Piedmont’s Augusta clinical hub. A renowned clinical leader statewide and nationally, she was instrumental in the development of Augusta Technical College’s School of Nursing and Allied Health partnership and expansion to the Piedmont Augusta Summerville Campus. In 2022, Ms. Dock was asked by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to serve on his statewide workforce development taskforce. She first joined the hospital in 2003 as a patient care assistant and was formerly a Piedmont hospital vice president and CNO and a director of orthopedics, spine and medical and surgical services.
Lisa Dolan, RN. CNO for Ardent Health (Nashville, Tenn.). As CNO, Ms. Dolan oversees nursing teams at Ardent Health, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care across 30 hospitals and over 200 care sites. She leads efforts to align nursing policies with the company's mission and regulatory standards, fostering a culture of safety while driving workforce development and quality improvement. Ms. Dolan has spearheaded initiatives that have improved clinical outcomes, reduced readmissions and enhanced patient experience. A strong advocate for professional development, she has established programs aimed at advancing nursing careers, including partnerships with academic institutions and National Council Licensure Examination test prep. Under her leadership, Ardent Health has adopted new technologies, such as virtual nursing and remote patient monitoring, to streamline care delivery and reduce administrative burdens on caregivers.
Inger Donohue, MSN, RN. CNO for Atlantic Medical Group (Morristown, N.J.). Ms. Donohue is at the forefront of the nursing practice for Atlantic Medical Group's network of over 1,000 providers. As the group’s first CNO, Ms. Donohue leverages more than two decades of experience in clinical nursing and ambulatory operations to enhance patient care quality and safety protocols. She has been instrumental in driving shared governance initiatives and has presented her work at industry conferences, including the American Medical Group Association. She leads Atlantic Medical Group’s preceptor program, which trains and mentors clinical staff, and has played a crucial role in onboarding over 900 new hires in 2024. Previously, she has held leadership roles at Barnabas Health Medical Group, Manhattan Physician Group and Summit Medical Group.
Diane Drexler, DNP, RN. System CNO and Vice President of Patient Care Services for Community Memorial Health System (Ventura, Calif.). Dr. Drexler manages 12 direct report directors and managers, more than 1,000 full-time employees and a multimillion dollar operating budget. She was published in Nurse Leader in June of 2020. Dr. Drexler is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Robert Wood Johnson executive nurse fellow alumna.
Kristy Duffey. CNO at Optum Health and COO of Home and Community Care at UnitedHealth Group (Eden Prairie, Minn.). Ms. Duffey advocates for accessible care for all patients at Optum and strives to improve work settings for clinicians. She supports clinician retention and career advancement, benefit assessments, student preceptor programs and student tuition reimbursement. She also leads Optum's community care business, which has led to a 12 percent reduction in patient hospitalizations. Ms. Duffey is also passionate about creating a diverse workplace, actively promoting female leaders and leaders of color. Ninety-two percent of the workforce she oversees is female. She has also actively worked to reduce administrative burdens for advanced practice clinicians and registered nurses.
Kelly Edmondson, MSN, RN. Vice President of Nursing and Patient Care at Orlando (Fla.) Health. Ms. Edmondson oversees clinical performance and patient care delivery across the 3,888-bed, 24-hospital Orlando Health system as vice president of nursing and patient care. In her role, she leads nursing and patient care strategies, including workforce redesign, quality improvement, outcomes-driven care, and professional development. Ms. Edmondson has over 20 years of healthcare experience, and in her tenure she has led the implementation of numerous wellness programs, a comprehensive RN residency program, and Rover, a mobile application available at patient bedside for secure charting and documentation. Her most recent experience was serving as assistant vice president of Orlando Health and CNO of Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital.
Veronica Elders, MSN, RN. CNO of Nashville (Tenn.) General Hospital. Ms. Elders is Nashville General Hospital's CNO, providing clinical, strategic, and fiduciary leadership for the direction of overall nursing operations. Since joining NGH as CNO three years ago, Ms. Elders has rebuilt the clinical nursing leadership team, adapting them to a "team nursing" model involving LPNs back into the hospital setting and allowing for necessary patient care during the height of COVID-19. She also leads her team with a chronic care model and care transitions approach, ensuring patients with chronic conditions receive continuous care and education for the best outcomes. Ms. Elders has been with NGH since 2015, and previously served in a variety of leadership roles including the director of emergency services, administrative director of patient throughput, and assistant CNO.
Kirsten Featherstone. CNO for Mee Memorial Healthcare System (King City, Calif.). As CNO at Mee Memorial, Ms. Featherstone leads the nursing team, overseeing clinical services such as long-term care, education and acute care. She collaborates with the executive team to strengthen healthcare in South County as a whole. Since joining in 2020, she has driven cultural change and bolstered the organization's mission to provide high-quality care to its rural community. Her leadership extends across hospital operations, quality improvement and nursing support, backed by her experience managing trauma programs and developing stroke centers at multiple hospitals. Ms. Featherstone played a key role in managing Mee Memorial's Covid-19 response and was promoted to CNO in 2022 after serving in various leadership roles.
Diane Ferreira, RN. CNO and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services for Butler Hospital (Providence, R.I.). Ms. Ferreira oversees nursing services, nursing education, nursing quality, occupational therapy, social services and pharmacy at Butler Hospital. With over two decades of experience, she has become a vital leader due to her deep understanding of the hospital and its resources. Known for her compassionate approach to healthcare, Ms. Ferreira prioritizes patient care and has been promoted six times during her tenure, reflecting her expertise in behavioral healthcare. Her leadership plays a key role in maintaining high standards of care and ensuring that the hospital’s staff is well-equipped to meet the needs of their patients.
Brandee Fetherman, MSN, RN. CNO for Morristown (N.J.) Medical Center. Ms. Fetherman brings more than 20 years of nurse leadership to her role at Morristown Medical Center, where she has been a key figure since 2001. Ascending through various leadership positions in critical care, medicine, trauma and neurology, she became CNO in 2022, overseeing nurse care delivery, education, quality, research and patient flow. Ms. Fetherman has played a pivotal role in enhancing Morristown's patient experience program and advancing clinical initiatives, including a transformation plan to expand and modernize the emergency department. Her clinical and administrative expertise was crucial during the Covid-19 pandemic, where she adapted patient units for Covid care and implemented safety protocols.
Kate FitzPatrick, DNP, RN. Executive Vice President, Connelly Foundation Chief Nurse Executive Officer for Jefferson Health (Philadelphia). Dr. FitzPatrick serves as the CNO for Jefferson Health, overseeing a nursing program that includes over 12,000 clinicians and administrative staff. In her role, she leads nursing initiatives and collaborates with executive leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. Dr. Fitzpatrick has been instrumental in standardizing nursing practice across the health system and has actively developed partnerships with academic institutions to enhance nursing education and clinical placements. She launched the innovative nursing "SEAL Team" of 150 float nurses, significantly reducing nurse vacancies by 70% and reliance on contract labor by 50%. Dr. Fitzpatrick's previous leadership roles include senior vice president and CNO at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, where she drove quality improvements that placed the institution in the top quartile for nursing performance. She made history as the first nurse to hold an endowed position at Jefferson.
Regina Foley, PhD, RN. Executive Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive and Chief Transformation Officer for Hackensack Meridian Health (Edison, N.J.). Dr. Foley serves as both chief nursing executive and chief transformation officer at Hackensack Meridian Health, where she oversees nursing practices across 18 hospitals and drives clinical transformation initiatives. Her leadership is focused on supporting chief nurses, addressing workforce challenges, and expanding educational opportunities, all while embracing technology to enhance patient care. Recognizing the importance of Magnet designation, she actively guides hospitals through the redesignation process and integrates HMH's nursing schools to establish a robust workforce pipeline for new graduate nurses. Dr. Foley is also tasked with reimagining HMH’s operations, overseeing over 500 projects aimed at financial recovery and enhancing organizational efficiency. She has implemented successful programs, such as a nurse externship initiative, to attract and retain talent. Her extensive experience and commitment to community service have earned her numerous accolades, including the NJBIZ "Best Women in Business" award.
Karen Forsyth, BSN, RN. CNO at Brook Lane (Hagerstown, Md.). Ms. Forsyth's role encompasses strategic leadership, operational oversight and a commitment to elevating patient care standards at Brook Lane. She is responsible for shaping the institution's healthcare delivery system. She sets and implements nurse standards, ensures top performance in patient care practices, fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encourages ongoing training sessions and aligns the nursing team's efforts with broader organizational goals and strategies. She serves as liaison between nursing staff and executive leadership. Under her guidance, the nursing department also achieved a commendable reduction in the use of restraints and seclusion.
Linda Francies, MSN, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO for Parkview Regional Medical Center (Fort Wayne, Ind.). Ms Francies oversees nursing operations across four major facilities. With over 30 years of nursing experience, including 15 in executive leadership, Ms. Francies has led Parkview Health’s nursing teams through significant growth and challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic. Under her leadership, the medical center earned a five-year Magnet reaccreditation. She has introduced innovative staffing models, such as an internal travel nurse program, to combat workforce shortages and reduce nurse burnout. Ms. Francies also implemented a virtual nursing program. Parkview Regional Medical Center has received numerous accolades under her tenure, including top safety grades from Leapfrog and high state rankings from U.S. News & World Report.
Kim Francis, PhD, RN. CNO and Senior Vice President for Patient Care Services for Women & Infants Hospital (Providence, R.I.). Dr. Francis serves as CNO and senior vice president of patient care services at Women & Infants Hospital. Having joined the hospital in 2022, she brings over 32 years of progressive nursing leadership experience. Dr. Francis oversees nursing operations, ensuring high standards of patient care and guiding leadership strategies. Her career began as a staff nurse at Women & Infants, and she now leads multiple departments, including postpartum and neonatal intensive care. Prior to her current role, she held various leadership positions at Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital and was recognized with the 2020 "Massachusetts Excellence in Nursing Research" award from the American Nurses Association Massachusetts.
Tami Frost, MSN, RN. CNO for Carilion Clinic (Roanoke, Va.). Ms. Frost oversees nursing operations across seven hospitals and 264 practice sites, supporting over 2,500 full-time nurses. Within her first year, she successfully reduced hospital-associated infections at Carilion Medical Center and improved patient throughput via operational enhancements. Ms. Frost has also boosted patient satisfaction scores, with more patients in 2024 expressing a likelihood to recommend Carilion services. She has championed innovative nursing programs, including the SOAR externship and the nurse residency program. Under her leadership, Carilion earned its fifth Magnet designation from the ANCC, making it the first in Virginia to achieve this milestone consecutively.
Nancy Gaden, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO for Boston Medical Center. Dr. Gaden leads a nursing department of more than 2,000 employees and manages a budget exceeding $300 million. Under her leadership, Boston Medical Center achieved Magnet recognition in 2021, reflecting her commitment to professionalism and excellence in patient care. Dr. Gaden is also dedicated to community outreach and nursing education, mentoring future nursing professionals through various initiatives. In 2023, she was honored as a Living Legend by the American Nurses Association Massachusetts for her contributions to nursing.
Jennifer Garnica, RN, BSN. Vice President of Patient Care Services and CNO of SSM Health–St Mary's Hospital (St. Louis). As CNO, Ms. Garnica is responsible for managing the operations, clinical results, and financial aspects of acute in-patient care, emergency medicine, and family birthplace/women's services at the 495-bed SSM St. Mary's Hospital. She leads a team of over 850 full-time employees and supervises seven direct reports. She has spent over 20 years at the hospital since beginning her career as a student nurse in 2001. Most previously, Ms. Garnica served as administrative director of nursing operations.
Jason Gilbert, PhD, RN. Executive Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at Indiana University Health. Dr. Gilbert became director of nursing operations in 2011 at Indiana University Health. He has since held various leadership roles and was named chief nurse executive in February 2020.
Michele Goeb-Burkett, MSN, RN. CNO for the East Florida Division for AdventHealth (Altamonte Springs, Fla.). Since 2022, Ms. Goeb-Burkett has served as CNO for AdventHealth's East Florida division, overseeing a network of hospitals with 11,000 employees and 1,407 beds. Under her leadership, several clinical initiatives were launched, including a new hospital in Palm Coast, a virtual nursing pilot program, and a $900,000 endowed fund to support nursing education at Daytona State College. Under her leadership, all AdventHealth facilities in Volusia County achieved American Nurses Credentialing Center Pathways to Excellence designations. Ms. Goeb-Burkett has also led efforts to improve patient safety, with AdventHealth Daytona Beach earning its 25th consecutive “A” rating from Leapfrog and a 5-star CMS rating in 2024. She brings over 20 years of clinical leadership experience at AdventHealth to her role.
Wendi Goodson-Celerin, DNP, APRN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive for Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital. Dr. Goodson-Celerin has over 35 years of experience leading and enhancing nursing services at Tampa General Hospital. Under her leadership, the hospital achieved its fifth consecutive Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2023. She founded Tampa General’s clinical education department, setting the standard for onboarding and training programs within the system. Dr. Goodson-Celerin has significantly reduced nurse vacancy rates below the national average, emphasizing education, resiliency and collaboration to retain talent. Her role extends to strategic quality and safety initiatives, including the integration of virtual nursing technology and the hospital’s journey toward High Reliability Organization accreditation. She also partners with the University of South Florida Health College of Nursing to recruit top talent.
Rebecca Graham, RN. CNO of North Vista Hospital (North Las Vegas, Nev.). As CNO, Ms. Graham oversees all of North Vista Hospital's clinical operations, including patient care, safety standards for policy implementation, and processes and protocols for positive patient outcomes. Additional responsibilities include organizational, administrative and nursing leadership, and is involved in all aspects of hospital management, including quality, compliance, risk, financial, marketing and more. Ms. Graham has spent nearly three decades with North Vista Hospital, beginning as a floor nurse and working her way up to her current role as CNO.
F. Carlos Gregorio, MSN, RN. CNO for Uvalde (Texas) Memorial Hospital. As the CNO at Uvalde Memorial Hospital, Mr. Gregorio plays a crucial role in ensuring high-quality care across all nursing services and clinical operations. Responsible for patient safety, experience and compliance with certifications like those from the Joint Commission, he also manages finances and operating budgets, upholding critical policies and procedures. Since joining the hospital nearly two years ago, he has shown unwavering commitment to the community of over 45,000 residents, primarily seniors, across five counties. His leadership was pivotal in transitioning the hospital's designation from acute care to rural, maximizing funding for improvements. Under his guidance, the hospital has dramatically reduced emergency room wait times by over 60 minutes, improved patient satisfaction scores, and achieved a 5-star rating from CMS. He is currently spearheading a project to establish a local dialysis program, allowing patients to receive treatment closer to home. He is also fostering a culture of recognition through the introduction of several staff award programs.
Karen Grimley, PhD, RN. Chief Nursing Executive at UCLA Health (Los Angeles). Dr. Grimley leads professional nursing practice and care delivery across UCLA Health’s five hospitals and more than 260 ambulatory clinics, overseeing more than 5,000 bedside nurses. Under her leadership, UCLA Health has earned multiple prestigious accolades for nursing excellence, including Magnet designations, numerous Beacon Awards from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and Lantern Awards from the Emergency Nurses Association. She spearheaded the development of a comprehensive workforce strategy that has driven nursing engagement and excellence scores beyond national benchmarks in six of seven categories across the system. She has also transformed the relationship-based care initiative called Reigniting the Spirit of Caring into an intentional self-care retreat that provides essential support for nurses and healthcare workers. Dr. Grimley was also instrumental in establishing the Safer U program, significantly enhancing the safety and wellbeing of staff, patients and families. Dr. Grimley is a fellow of American College of Healthcare Executives and American Academy of Nursing.
Anne H. Gross, PhD, RN. CNO and Senior Vice President for Patient Care Services at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Boston). Dr. Gross is responsible for clinical and research nursing practice across the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute enterprise. She also oversees the center for clinical and professional development, the Phyllis F. Cantor Center for Research, and a variety of other clinical services. Her professional contributions help ensure patient access to healthcare and strengthen interdisciplinary teamwork, resulting in changes that improve the patient and family experience and the quality and safety of oncology care. She has secured funding for programs and research to support workplace DEI; positive practice environments, and self-care and renewal programs for clinical staff. Since joining Dana-Farber in 2002, Dr. Gross has led the implementation of a primary nursing care model and a nationally accredited residency training program for newly licensed nurses. Her leadership led to Dana-Farber earning its fifth consecutive Magnet designation in 2024. Dr. Gross was recently named the Ning Zhao Chair of Nursing, the first endowed nursing position of its kind at Dana-Farber.
Allison Guste, BSN, RN. CNO for University Medical Center New Orleans and Corporate Vice President of Nursing and Clinical Services for LCMC Health (New Orleans). Ms. Guste serves as CNO at University Medical Center and corporate vice president of nursing and clinical services for LCMC Health. In her role, she leads clinical quality and nursing practice across eight hospitals, working to establish a uniform standard of care. She facilitates continuous performance improvement and tracks the organization's progress towards high reliability and excellence in healthcare. With 18 years of experience, she began her career as a nurse tech in the emergency department at Touro in New Orleans and later transitioned to a cardiology outpatient clinic, where she developed a passion for quality and healthcare management. Ms. Guste has received multiple accolades, including the 2021 "Health Care Hero" award from New Orleans City Business and recognition as a "Community Healthcare Hero" by the Public Relations Society of America.
Amy Hassell, BSN, RN. CNO of UCHealth's Virtual Health Center (Aurora, Colo.). Ms. Hassell serves as the CNO of UCHealth's Virtual Health Center, overseeing operations and innovative programs across the 12-hospital system. Her responsibilities include managing a range of virtual care services such as urgent care, ICU monitoring, wound care and remote patient management. With over 20 years of nursing experience, Ms. Hassell has been integral to UCHealth since 2000, progressing from an ICU nurse to various leadership roles. She is dedicated to enhancing quality of care and improving patient outcomes while fostering a culture of safety for patients, providers and staff. Even before the pandemic, UCHealth was at the forefront of virtual healthcare, and under Ms. Hassell's leadership, the organization continues to redefine traditional healthcare delivery. Her efforts have not only transformed patient care at UCHealth but also set a precedent for the future of healthcare beyond conventional facilities.
Kelly Hefti, MSN, RN. CNO for Sanford USD Medical Center and Clinics (Sioux Falls, S.D.). Ms. Hefti is responsible for the nursing practice for the ambulatory and inpatient care units at the largest hospital in South Dakota. For more than 30 years, she has served Sanford Health in a variety of roles, including as a practicing registered nurse, clinical leader, senior director, certified nurse practitioner and CNO, and has helped foster a culture of quality nursing care and elevated standards for nursing practice. She is also a champion for nurse wellbeing and safety in the workplace. Working closely with local institutions of higher education, Ms. Hefti has been instrumental in fostering and maintaining educational partnerships, internships and experiential learning opportunities for future nurses. Under Ms. Hefti’s leadership, the medical center and clinics earned a fifth Magnet designation for nursing excellence in 2022.
Jodi Hein, DNP, RN. CNO of Providence Holy Cross Medical Center (Mission Hills, Calif.). Dr. Hein serves as CNO of Providence Holy Cross Medical Center. She is responsible for improving operational efficiency, identifying strategies for improving the quality of patient care and outcomes, and acting as a voice for clinical care nurses. Under her leadership, the medical center has earned several designations and has consistently performed well for patient outcomes. Prior to assuming her current role in 2018, she was vice president and chief nursing executive for Dignity Health- St. Mary Medical Center- Long Beach (Calif.).
Michelle D. Hereford, RN. System Chief Nurse Executive and Ethel Morikis Endowed Chair in Nursing Leadership for University Hospitals (Cleveland). Ms. Hereford oversees nursing operations across University Hospitals' extensive network of facilities. Since taking on the role in April 2021, she has led efforts to address nursing workforce shortages with a strategic three-pronged approach focused on retention, recruitment and workforce development. Under her leadership, UH launched the Care Team of Tomorrow model in 2022, enhancing patient care delivery and operational efficiency across medical-surgical units. Ms. Hereford also introduced the UH Distinguished Nurse Award and the Notable Nurses recognition program, celebrating exemplary nursing professionals and fostering a culture of excellence within the organization. In 2023, she spearheaded the UH Future Nurse Academy, engaging high school students in nursing careers and providing hands-on training opportunities. She has been instrumental in launching innovative initiatives, such as the Intelligent Hospital Room project, aimed at integrating advanced technology into nursing care.
Lorie Herrman. CNO of St. Joseph Medical Center (Kansas City, Mo.). Ms. Herrman provides executive leadership and strategic direction for all patient care services at St. Joseph Medical Center, part of Ontario, Calif.-based Prime Healthcare. She oversees nursing practice, performance improvement and various clinical departments including respiratory therapy, physical therapy and pharmacy. Since beginning her career as an ICU RN, she has held several clinical and executive roles, including surgical services director and CNO. Ms. Herrman has successfully fostered resilient teams focused on delivering safe, quality patient care. She has also developed staffing models to maintain hospital census while implementing best practices for efficient throughput. Ms. Herrman is a board-certified nurse executive and a certified perianesthesia nurse.
Andrea Highfill, DNP, RN. CNO for Carson Valley Health (Gardnerville, Nev.). Dr. Highfill has been a pivotal figure at Carson Valley Health since joining as a registered nurse in 2009. Rising through the ranks, she became CNO in 2020, where she oversees multiple departments including nursing, pharmacy, ICU and emergency services. Dr. Highfill emphasizes emotional intelligence in leadership, guiding her managers to focus on patient experience and staff morale, especially in the post-pandemic landscape. Her hands-on approach to hiring ensures that she attracts top talent, fostering a culture of high standards and low turnover within the hospital’s clinical leadership. She has played a significant role in the upcoming expansion of Carson Valley Health, implementing processes to enhance patient care while preparing for a 52,000 square-foot facility set to open in late 2024. She has helped earn several accolades for the hospital, including a 4-star rating from CMS and recognition as a top workplace in Northern Nevada. Additionally, she serves on several community boards, advocating for improved healthcare access in rural areas.
Nancy E. Holecek, BSN, RN. Executive Vice President and CNO for RWJBarnabas Health (West Orange, N.J.). Ms. Holecek oversees a nursing staff of over 11,000 and drives nursing-related patient care services for RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey's largest academic health system. She established the Institute for Nursing Excellence to promote professional development, innovation and research. Ms. Holecek also implemented the system’s first professional nurse practice council and launched multiple nursing collaboratives to foster evidence-based practices. She also developed transition of care nurse roles to support safe discharges. She has led RWJBarnabas facilities to earn multiple Magnet designations and U.S. News & World Report accolades.
Debra "Debbi" Honey, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO for Covenant Health (Knoxville, Tenn.). Ms. Honey, senior vice president and CNO for Covenant Health, leads nursing operations and quality initiatives across the healthcare system. Since joining in 2017, she has implemented safety protocols that significantly reduced healthcare-associated infections, including a 42% reduction in central line infections and a 70% reduction in catheter-associated infections. She has also improved patient falls prevention and enhanced bedside handoff practices to ensure smoother transitions of care. Ms. Honey spearheaded the system’s advanced care at home program, providing hospital-level care in patients' homes. She has also focused on developing nursing leaders through initiatives like a certified executive in nursing practice prep course and leadership programs with the University of Tennessee. Her leadership has helped Covenant Health hospitals consistently achieve top safety ratings and recognition for high-performing care.
Melissa Howard, MSN, RN. Chief Nursing and Clinical Executive at Emanate Health Inter-Community Hospital and Emanate Health Foothill Presbyterian Hospital (Glendora, Calif.). Ms. Howard's career began in 2000 as a graduate nurse. She has also served as the system's director of performance improvement and the director of medical-surgical services before she was appointed chief nursing executive in 2012. She is currently a member of the Association of California Nurse Leader's philanthropy committee.
Jeffery Hudson-Covolo, DNP, RN. CNO and Vice President for Patient Care Services for Sierra View Medical Center (Porterville, Calif.). Dr. Hudson-Covolo oversees patient care delivery and safety across the 167-bed Sierra View Medical Center, focusing on quality outcomes and a patient-centered approach. He played a key role in launching and securing accreditation for the hospital’s graduate medical education program, aiming to expand access to healthcare through a rural clinic network. He also led the hospital’s transition from inpatient services to an outpatient model, and managed the upgrade and implementation of a new EHR system. Beyond his work at the medical center, Dr. Hudson-Covolo contributes to healthcare education as a visiting professor at Chamberlain College of Nursing and a lecturer at California State University-Fresno. His commitment to patient care has earned Sierra View Medical Center several accolades, including the 2024 Best of Central California "People’s Choice Awards" for various healthcare services.
Catherine Hughes, MSN, RN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive for Virtua Health (Marlton, N.J.). Ms. Hughes serves as senior vice president and chief nurse executive at Virtua Health, where she oversees nursing operations across the system, including five hospitals and over 350 locations. She played a crucial role in integrating nursing operations after Virtua’s 2019 acquisition of Lourdes Health System and was instrumental in Virtua’s pandemic response, ensuring safe working conditions and innovative care models. Ms. Hughes has championed workforce development and supported nurses in career advancement, helping secure Magnet redesignation for three Virtua hospitals. Under her leadership, Virtua opened a state-of-the-art simulation center for surgical training and relocated the Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing to Rowan University. Additionally, she launched a virtual nurse initiative in 2023, enhancing patient care through telehealth. Ms. Hughes has held various roles at Virtua Health for the past two decades.
Tiesa Hughes-Dillard, DNP, RN. CNO for University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences (Chicago). Dr. Hughes-Dillard is responsible for leading the diverse nursing professionals at UI Health. Under her leadership, "Nursing Elevated" has become the mantra for nursing as UI Health maintains record low agency nursing, low turnover, and a laser focus on quality and safety. She mentors many emerging leaders and students in order to continue to expand leadership and education opportunities across the nursing pool. Prior to her current role, she served as associate CNO for UI Health.
Marissa Jamarik, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and System CNO at Roper St. Francis Healthcare (Charleston, S.C.). Dr. Jamarik oversees acute nursing services across the health system’s four hospitals. A workforce stabilization expert, her team efforts improved nurse retention year over year, reduced vacancy rates and eliminated acute contract labor. Dr. Jamarik developed the health system’s pipeline program, allowing new nurses to train in various settings before choosing a specialty. In 2023, she launched a three-year nursing strategic plan focusing on workplace violence, nurse wellbeing, professional governance and systemwide Magnet designation. Last year, under her leadership, the nursing teams impacted 19 practice decisions such as bedside shift report, EHR risk for violence flag, and four eyes dual skin assessment through the adoption of new evidence that directly correlates to improved quality outcomes. Dr. Jamarik previously held leadership positions at Inova Heart and Vascular Institute and Inova Loudoun Hospital in Virginia.
Karyl James, DNP, RN. CNO for Desert Valley Hospital (Victorville, Calif.). Dr. James serves as the leader of all nursing services departments at Desert Valley Hospital, where she focuses on aligning resources to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Her leadership spans multiple sites and teams within a regional platform, promoting a culture of excellence, accountability and collaboration. Dr. James ensures compliance with regulatory standards while advocating for nursing education and professional development. Additionally, she implements lean methodologies and quality management strategies to enhance operational efficiency and boost patient satisfaction. Driven by a passion for advancing the nursing profession, she is dedicated to delivering patient-centered care that adheres to the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency.
Kelly M. Johnson, PhD, RN. CNO and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Johnson joined Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in 2023, taking on the role of CNO and senior vice president of patient care services. She oversees and provides strategic direction, planning and leadership for the patient care services. This encompasses the disciplines of nursing, advanced practice professionals, patient- and family-centered care, rehabilitation services, patient and family experience, psychology, patient care services education and research, social work and care coordination. She is responsible for crafting initiatives that enhance and optimize patient quality and safety. She also recruits, retains and optimizes the hospital's world-class nursing and patient care workforce. She brings more than 40 years of nursing and nurse leadership experience to her role, having previously held the CNO position at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford (Calif.), and University of California Benioff Children’s Hospitals in Oakland and San Francisco.
Traci Jordan. CNO for Ochsner LSU Health–Monroe (La.) Medical Center. Ms. Jordan oversees all nursing services and ensures the highest standards of patient care. With over 33 years of experience in nursing, she has held various leadership roles, significantly contributing to the hospital's growth and success. She focuses on improving patient outcomes and fostering continuous learning among the nursing staff, working closely with executive leaders to align strategies with the hospital's mission. Under her guidance, Monroe Medical Center has achieved numerous accolades, including the American Heart Association Gold Plus award for stroke care and designation as a level III trauma center.
Trisha Jungels, MSN, RN. CNO and Vice President of Clinical Serivces at Jamestown (N.D.) Regional Medical Center. Ms. Jungels serves as the CNO and vice president of clinical services at Jamestown Regional Medical Center. There, she oversees a wide range of clinical services, including laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, anesthesia, surgical services, the emergency department and specialty clinics like the cancer center. Ms. Jungels has been pivotal in establishing the nursing clinical excellence ladder program and expanding clinic service lines, including ear, nose and throat, OB/GYN and urology, as well as opening the Cancer Center in 2019. The hospital is now pursuing the Pathway to Excellence designation. In recognition of her contributions, she received the University of Jamestown "Nursing Excellence Award" in 2022 and was named one of Prairie Business Magazine's "40 Under 40".
Kathleen Kaminsky, RN. CNO and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services for Englewood (N.J.) Health. Ms. Kaminsky serves as the CNO at Englewood Hospital, leading over 1,000 nurses in the delivery of high-quality patient care. Under her leadership, the hospital received a transformative $10 million donation to found the Kaplen Institute for Nursing Excellence, supporting educational and research programs for nurses. Ms. Kaminsky has also established collaborative partnerships with educational institutions, offering nursing scholarships and promoting specialty certification and mentorship opportunities. Her initiatives include the accredited nurse residency program, which helps new nurses transition smoothly into clinical roles. Her leadership has also contributed to Englewood Hospital's five consecutive Magnet designations for nursing excellence. Additionally, she serves on the board of directors for the Organization of Nurse Leaders of New Jersey, advocating for healthcare policy and diversity in nursing leadership. Under Ms. Kaminsky's guidance, Englewood Hospital has consistently earned high safety grades and recognition for its community service and cardiac care.
Rhonda Kazik, DNP, RN. Chief Nurse Executive for Essentia Health (Duluth, Minn.). Dr. Kazik serves as the chief nurse executive for Essentia Health, where she oversees nursing activities for a nonprofit health system that includes 14 hospitals and 80 clinics. With over 38 years of experience in various healthcare settings, Dr. Kazik has taken significant steps to develop a workforce ecosystem that supports nurse growth and engagement. She initiated Essentia’s journey toward achieving Magnet nursing recognition. Dr. Kazik has also created innovative programs to address workforce challenges, such as the introduction of nurse retentionist roles, leading to lower vacancy and turnover rates than national averages. Under her leadership, Essentia launched a nursing residency program in 2022, providing new graduates with comprehensive clinical experiences and professional development opportunities. Dr. Kazik was named the 2023 "Health Care Workforce Champion" by the Minnesota Hospital Association and will be inducted into the 2024 class of fellows for the American Academy of Nursing.
Dan Kelly, BSN, RN. CNO at Providence South Division (Calif.). With more than four decades of experience in nursing leadership, Mr. Kelly is a leader who consistently fosters a culture centered on safety, accountability, operational excellence, high reliability and clinical excellence. He has driven performance enhancements across Providence’s South Division, which includes 17 hospitals and many outpatient and community-based programs. Under his direction, caregiver and patient experience has seen marked improvements. Initiatives like stay conversations, job fairs and an RN residency program under his tenure are positively impacting nursing retention and career development. This approach has garnered national recognition, with multiple Providence South hospitals being designated by the American Nurse Credentialing Center as practice transition accreditation programs. In addition, Mr. Kelly co-chaired the patient care leadership council with over 90 nursing executives and clinical educators. This council established clinical practice councils to create standardized work and uniform regulations. In collaboration with physician leaders, Mr. Kelly launched a comprehensive 15-point care progression plan project across the region and created a CMO and CNO council to ensure seamless integration and cooperation between medical and nursing leadership.
Amy Kendall, MSN, RN. Market Chief Nursing Executive and COO for Kindred Hospital Bay Area – Tampa (Fla.). Ms. Kendall oversees clinical operations across three hospitals in the Tampa Bay area and serves as COO for St. Petersburg (Fla.) Hospital, where she is responsible for hospital operations. She leads program creation, process alignment and quality initiatives. Known for her compassionate leadership, she regularly connects with her teams to ensure they are well-supported, which has significantly improved overall quality and patient experience. Her collaborative approach has also reduced staff turnover and eliminated the need for contract labor. Ms. Kendall is a member of the Florida Hospital Association workforce committee and has previously held leadership roles at Kindred hospitals in the region, including CEO and CCO.
Julie Kim, MSN, RN. CNO at Providence St. Jude Medical Center (Fullerton, Calif.). Ms. Kim oversees and manages nursing practice and patient care services, including strategic planning, patient satisfaction, quality and care coordination. Her skills at leading large, diverse teams are evidenced by the medical center being named as Healthgrades "100 Best Hospitals in America." Under her leadership, nursing units earned the Beacon Award, PRISM Award and two accreditations with the Magnet Recognition Program. Additionally, she has created a highly successful clinical ladder program. Her focus on education has led to 98 percent of the hospital’s nursing staff holding, at minimum, a bachelor of science in nursing. She sustains a strong culture of shared decision-making, collaboration and caregiver engagement.
Mary Beth Kingston, PhD, RN. Executive Vice President and CNO at Advocate Health (Charlotte, N.C.). Dr. Kingston joined Aurora Health Care in 2012 and was appointed to CNO at Advocate Aurora Health in 2018. When Advocate Aurora Health merged with Atrium Health in late 2022 to create Advocate Health, Dr. Kingston was named CNO of the entire larger system. She serves on the American Hospital Association board of trustees and is a past president of the American Organization of Nurse Executives. She is a recipient of the American Assembly for Men in Nursing's Inclusion and Diversity Award and was recently inducted as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.
Carmen Kleinsmith, MSN, RN. CNO of UnityPoint Health–St. Luke’s Hospital (Cedar Rapids, Iowa). Ms. Kleinsmith serves as the CNO at UnityPoint Health–St. Luke’s Hospital, overseeing a broad range of responsibilities that include nursing practice, patient care delivery, research, performance improvement and pharmacy services. She also directly manages three key service lines: emergency services, the Women’s and Children’s Center, and acute adult and critical care. With over four decades of experience at St. Luke’s, Ms. Kleinsmith began her journey as a nursing student and has advanced through various leadership roles, most notably contributing to the hospital's initial Magnet designation in 2009 and its subsequent re-designations in 2014, 2018 and 2023. Her leadership has been recognized with multiple accolades, including the Iowa Organization of Nurse Leaders "Outstanding Nurse Leader" award and the "100 Great Iowa Nurses" award. In addition to her hospital responsibilities, Ms. Kleinsmith is also affiliated with several professional organizations, including the Iowa Nurses Association and the American Organization of Nurse Leaders.
Wendy Kopp, PhD, RN. CNO at Sanford Health Bismarck (N.D.). As CNO at Sanford Health Bismarck, Dr. Kopp leads nearly 1,200 nurses across Western and Central North Dakota. She was instrumental in guiding the organization through the Covid-19 pandemic, implementing innovative care strategies and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both staff and patients. Under her leadership, Sanford Health Bismarck achieved its fourth Magnet designation, a prestigious honor that only 2% of healthcare organizations worldwide receive. Dr. Kopp also spearheaded the creation of the "Zen Den," a wellness room designed to support the mental health of frontline workers. Beyond her organization, she contributes to the nursing profession by participating in professional boards, publishing research, and advocating for policies that prioritize patient care and nurse wellness.
Gay Landstrom, PhD. Senior Vice President and CNO at Trinity Health (Livonia, Mich.). Dr. Landstrom leads the hospital's efforts to ensure top quality, zero harm and exceptional patient experience. She is active with several professional organizations, including the EBSCO CINAHL Dynamic Health executive board, the board of the Midwest Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the AvaSure Nursing Advisory Board.
Beth Leahey, MSN, RN. CNO for Roxborough Memorial Hospital (Philadelphia). Ms. Leahey brings over two decades of experience in the medical field to her role as CNO at Roxborough Memorial Hospital, where she oversees a wide range of departments, including nursing, surgical services and emergency medical services. Her leadership emphasizes accountability and operational efficiency across inpatient and outpatient nursing, pharmacy, respiratory care and various therapies. Recently, she launched an award Program to recognize the exceptional contributions of nurses within the hospital. Under her guidance, Roxborough Memorial has received several prestigious accolades, including an "A" safety grade from Leapfrog and recognition from the Lown Institute for outstanding social responsibility and health equity. Prior to her current position, she served as CNO and vice president of professional services at Saint Francis Hospital in Wilmington, Del.
Cindy Leathers, BSN. Vice President and CNO at Saint Francis Health System (Tulsa, Okla.). Ms. Leathers drives leadership at the Saint Francis system by influencing core patient and nursing unit improvements, overseeing three areas of the health system including case management, the department of education and the patient logistics center. She strives to be a present, visible, transparent and good listener for her staffers. She also brings feedback from the frontline staff to the C-Suite. She has launched a virtual nursing program in three med surg units. She also announced that Saint Francis Hospital will become a Rogers State University satellite campus this fall, where students can earn their BSN at Saint Francis.
Cody Legler, DNP, APRN. Senior Vice President and CNO for Maimonides Health (Brooklyn, N.Y.). Dr. Legler ensures operational and clinical excellence in nursing at Maimonides Health. With over 15 years of experience in nursing and health services administration, he previously held leadership roles at Columbia, Md.-based MedStar Health, including system vice president and CNO for perioperative services. During his tenure at MedStar, he successfully launched a surgical tech apprentice program and led initiatives that earned the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Pathway to Excellence designation. Dr. Legler is also an adjunct faculty member at George Washington University and Marymount University, teaching courses in nursing leadership and quality improvement.
Mark Mahnfeldt, MSN, RN. CNO for Emerson Health (Concord, Mass.). Mr. Mahnfeldt is responsible for overseeing nursing and patient care services across Emerson Health, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective healthcare. His role focuses on both day-to-day operations and long-term workforce sustainability, emphasizing the recruitment and retention of nursing staff amid industry labor challenges. To address staffing shortages and reduce reliance on costly travel nurses, Mr. Mahnfeldt introduced a blended care model, pairing registered nurses with licensed practical nurses to allow nurses to practice at the top of their license while delegating task-based work. He also pioneered a program in partnership with local high schools to create a pipeline for future healthcare workers. He and his team have shared these innovative strategies at key healthcare conferences to benefit other institutions. Prior to joining Emerson Health, Mr. Mahnfeldt held leadership roles at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, Mass. and MelroseWakefield Healthcare in Melrose, Mass.
Eileen Manniste, MSN, RN. CNO for Broward Health North (Deerfield Beach, Fla.). Ms. Manniste leads nursing operations at Broward Health North, a 409-bed facility that includes a trauma center and comprehensive stroke services. As CNO, she collaborates with managers to enhance service lines and maintain high standards of patient care. Her initiatives have significantly expanded academic partnerships, increasing student practicum capacity from 10 to 75 and clinical capacity from 175 to over 300 within a year. Ms. Manniste has implemented standardized evidence-based practices and revitalized training programs for key nursing areas, enhancing the onboarding process for new hires and developing competency programs. She emphasizes nurse wellbeing and mental health, fostering a culture of collaboration through multidisciplinary councils and safety rounds. Under her leadership, Broward Health North has earned various recognitions, including an “A” hospital safety grade from The Leapfrog Group.
Wilhelmina M. Manzano, MA, RN. Group Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive and COO for Perioperative Services at NewYork-Presbyterian (New York City). As chief nursing executive, Ms. Manzano leads the nursing department and sets the vision and strategic direction for nursing across NYP. As COO for perioperative services, she provides strategic leadership and oversight, sets goals and strategies for integration, alignment, and standardization, ensures optimization of both clinical and business operations, and promotes a culture of safety. Ms. Manzano also held the positions of chief quality officer at NYP and COO for NYP/Allen Hospital. Prior to joining NYP in 1998, she held various leadership roles at several New York area hospitals. Ms. Manzano is a fellow of the American Nursing Academy and the New York Academy of Medicine. She served as president and vice president of the American Nurses Foundation for 2020-23.
C.J. Marbley, RN. CNO for New Orleans East Hospital. Mr. Marbley brings extensive experience in both clinical and administrative roles to New Orleans East Hospital, part of LCMC Health. Before joining the hospital, he served within the New Orleans-based LCMC health system and the Heart Hospital in New Orleans. With a 23-year career in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore areas, Mr. Marbley has held positions such as emergency department director, ICU and critical care unit manager, and senior director of perioperative and invasive services. In his current role, he is responsible for providing leadership and direction for nursing and patient care services throughout the hospital. Mr. Marbley began his career as an emergency department trauma nurse before transitioning to intensive care, developing deep clinical expertise.
David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President of Nursing and System Chief Nursing Executive of Cedars-Sinai (Los Angeles). Dr. Marshall has served as senior vice president of nursing and system chief nursing executive of Cedars-Sinai since June 2019. He has over 30 years of experience in healthcare, ranging from bedside nursing to nursing leadership. Before joining Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Marshall was system chief nursing and patient care services executive for the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. In 2021, he was named the James R. Klinenberg, MD, and Lynn Klinenberg Linkin Chair in Nursing. He has served on the board of directors of the American Organization of Nursing Leadership and is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.
Christine Martinez, MSN, RN. CNO at Laredo (Texas) Medical Center. Ms. Martinez has over 20 years of nursing leadership experience. Since returning to Laredo Medical Center in 2023, she has led efforts to improve recruitment and retention of nursing staff through partnerships with the local college and university. She works to cultivate a positive, supportive culture and improve satisfaction with patients, physicians and staff. Her collaboration with executive and clinical leaders has led to a 37% reduction in year-over-year sepsis mortality and a significant decline in central line bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, falls with injury, pressure ulcers, emergency department wait times, patient ventilator days and primary cesarean section rates. Her leadership has also resulted in a 23% improvement in staff culture of safety score, increased nursing retention rates and decreased nursing vacancies.
Julia Mason, DNP, RN. CNO and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital (Boston). Ms. Mason leads the departments of nursing as well as patient care services at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a two-time Magnet designated institution. She holds the same role for Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, which recently became the first hospital in Massachusetts and fourth in the world to earn Magnet with distinction status. An experienced nursing executive who joined Brigham earlier this year, Dr. Mason oversees more than 4,500 nurses in clinical and leadership roles, practicing in inpatient and outpatient areas of hospitals as well as ambulatory and community health centers. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Prior to her current role, Ms. Mason was senior vice president of patient care services and CNO for the hospital division of The MetroHealth System, which is also based in Cleveland. She has also held leadership roles including as CNO at University Hospitals Parma Medical Center and University Hospitals Bedford and Richmond Medical Centers, located in Ohio.
Sarah Matney, BSN, RN. CNO and Senior Vice President of Clinical Services at Connecticut Children’s (Hartford). Ms. Matney leads the nursing organization and ancillary support teams at Connecticut Children's, and in 2024 led the team to its second designation as a Magnet organization. She was recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for being a visible and transformational nurse leader; and her team was recognized for their professionalism, engagement and enthusiasm. While navigating the addition of a clinical tower, her leadership of the openings of a NICU expansion and inpatient med/psych unit helped pave the way for even greater patient and family impact. Ms. Matney is currently participating in the Coldiron Senior Nurse Executive Fellowship at the Francis Payne Bolton School of Nursing to further enhance her leadership skills.
Christina McGuirk, DNP, RN. Assistant Vice President of Orlando (Fla.) Health and CNO Orlando Health–Health Central Hospital (Ocoee, Fla.). Dr. McGuirk is CNO for Orlando Health–Health Central Hospital, where she leads hospital nursing services and coordinates daily operations to benefit patient care. Her strategic vision and direction guides the hospital's care delivery efforts. Dr. McGuirk first joined the Orlando Health system over three decades ago, and has since held various nursing leadership positions within the system. Throughout the past decade, she has helped expand Health Central Hospital's emergency department and inpatient bed tower. She also helped with the design and launch of Orlando Health Horizon West (Fla.) Hospital. Dr. McGuirk is a member of the Florida Organization of Nurse Executives and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Joy Melgar, MSN, RN. CNO for Avala (Covington, La.). Ms. Melgar plays a pivotal role as CNO at Avala, overseeing all nursing-related functions and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care. Her leadership drives strategic initiatives that align with Avala's mission, focusing on clinical excellence, staff development and patient satisfaction. Ms. Melgar has been instrumental in launching the preceptor program, fostering professional growth and ensuring nursing practices meet regulatory standards. She led Avala's orthopedic and spine program to earn the DNV Center of Excellence designation, securing advanced certifications in multiple specialties. Additionally, Ms. Melgar has expanded Avala's presence by overseeing the launch of a new surgery center. Her work encompasses patient advocacy, team engagement and the promotion of innovation and collaboration across the organization.
Joanne Miller, DNP, RN. Chief Nursing Executive at Baystate Health and CNO at Baystate Medical Center (Springfield, Mass.). Dr. Miller’s commitment to eliminating preventable harm, improving patient experience, and creating a healthy work environment is evidenced by the new daily management system which escalates issues to Baystate leaders. It has led one department to a 66% decrease in falls, another to achieving zero catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and another to seeing a 2.92% decrease in hospital-acquired pressure injuries over just three months. She was key to merging phlebotomy and IV teams to become one vascular access service team, improving safety and preventing delays in care to vascular access and blood draws. She became Baystate Health’s chief nursing executive in 2022, a new health system position, as well as Baystate Medical Center’s permanent CNO. Her dedication to nursing education is demonstrated by the Baystate Health nurse residency program, improvements to the professional nursing recognition program, and the first annual Holistic and Nursing Scholarship Symposium.
Stacie Miller. CNO of Providence Santa Rosa (Calif.) Memorial Hospital. Ms. Miller serves as CNO of Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where she hones in on financial responsibility, workforce stabilization, patient care and the elimination of preventable patient harm. She acts as a liaison between the administrative and nursing teams to ensure the delivery of the highest possible quality of care. Since beginning her position in July 2022, nurse turnover has been reduced from 26.9% to 16%. She is also an advocate for the hospital's Shared Governance Council, which enables decisions to be made in partnership with frontline caregivers.
Kerry Milton. Senior Vice President and CNO at St. Tammany Health System (Covington, La.). Ms. Milton supports and mentors the nursing staff at St. Tammany, where she has worked for 40 years. First joining as a telemetry registered nurse, she helped the system to launch a virtual nursing program that aims to enhance the confidence of the newest nursing workforce members. She also launched a nurse residency program, which instills confidence in new workforce members. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, VHA Gulf States Nurse Executive Group, Women’s Healthcare Executive Network and Louisiana Organization of Nurse Executives.
Jennifer Montgomery, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO of McLaren Health Care (Grand Blanc, Mich.). As senior vice president and CNO of McLaren Health Care, Ms. Montgomery provides clinical and operational oversight for nursing care across all McLaren hospital and ambulatory settings. Her work includes collaboration with nursing leaders, recommending and implementing programs to advance care and patient outcomes, and building partnerships for professional development. During her tenure, Ms. Montgomery has overseen multiple expansion projects, improved operational efficiencies to increase emergency department and outpatient visits, and enhanced patient safety within the organization. Most recently, Ms. Montgomery served as president and CEO of McLaren St. Luke’s.
Christy Moody, MSN, RN. CNO for Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center (Hartsville, S.C.). Ms. Moody oversees the nursing division for Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, managing an operational budget and directing more than 400 full-time employees. She is responsible for ensuring that nursing standard practices across all service areas align with current research and national professional benchmarks. Ms. Moody plays a pivotal role in performance activities and collaborates with hospital leadership to optimize patient care and maintain a qualified nursing staff.
Marie Moore, MSN, RN. Vice President and CNO for Mercy Springfield Communities (Chesterfield, Mo.). Ms. Moore oversees the clinical and operational standards for over 2,500 nurses across multiple Mercy facilities in Southwest Missouri, including acute care, specialty and critical access hospitals. She plays a key role in driving strategic initiatives that enhance patient safety, financial performance and employee engagement, while also fostering strong community ties to strengthen the nursing pipeline. Under her leadership, the patient access center at Mercy Hospital saw a 19.3% year-over-year growth in patient visits, contributing an additional $11.5 million to the margin. In addition, she oversaw significant improvements in the hospital's emergency room efficiency, reducing wait times by 90 minutes and increasing patient capacity to serve more than 1,000 additional patients per month. Ms. Moore's focus on workforce management resulted in a $4.2 million reduction in contingent labor costs and increased retention at Mercy Hospital. Her strategic partnership with Southwest Baptist University has secured a steady supply of qualified nurses for the future.
Tiffany Murdock, DNP, MSN. Senior Vice President and CNO for Ochsner Health (New Orleans). Dr. Murdock, senior vice president and CNO at Ochsner Health, leads nearly 10,000 nurses in delivering high-quality care and advancing workforce development. Under her leadership, Ochsner has expanded initiatives like its virtual nursing model and the scholars program, which has supported 614 nurse scholars, with 90 currently employed at the health system. Dr. Murdock has overseen significant investments in the nursing workforce, including salary adjustments, bonuses and enhanced benefits. She recently joined other nurse leaders on Capitol Hill to address critical issues such as workforce expansion and healthcare worker safety. Prior to Ochsner, Dr. Murdock held leadership roles at health systems across the country, including as CEO of Ocean Springs, Miss.-based Singing River Health System.
Tracey Nixon, MSN, RN. CNO at the University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics (Salt Lake City). Ms. Nixon oversees all nursing aspects within the University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics, including nursing operations, strategic planning, nursing leadership, project management and financial objectives, in addition to performance metrics related to patient satisfaction, clinical quality and finance. Ms. Nixon has been with the system for nearly 15 years and assumed the role of CNO in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, she appointed a health taskforce to collectively define the mental, physical and financial health for nursing team members. The results informed the ongoing systemwide benefit and operational enhancements. She and her nursing team have garnered national recognition for their efforts to improve the flow of patients within the hospital. Most recently, Ms. Nixon developed and implemented a nursing shared governance program across the system.
Trish O'Keefe, PhD, RN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive for Atlantic Health System and President of Morristown Medical Center (Morristown, N.J.). As chief nursing executive at Morristown Medical Center, a leading 800-plus-bed academic hospital, Dr. O'Keefe plays a pivotal role in managing various specialties, including cardiology, oncology and pediatrics. Under her leadership, the medical center has focused on improving quality, access and patient service by implementing initiatives like the comprehensive care for joint replacement program. She has also developed a patient experience accountability model that propelled the hospital's HCAHPS scores into the top decile nationally. Additionally, she has overseen major expansions throughout the medical center, including the heart hospital and a comprehensive five-phase emergency department expansion expected to be completed in 2025.
Beth Oliver, DNP, RN. Chief Nursing Executive and Senior Vice President of Cardiac Services at Mount Sinai Health System (New York City). Dr. Oliver, a nationally recognized leader in nursing and cardiovascular medicine, fosters and supports evidence-based, patient-centered care and nursing excellence throughout Mount Sinai Health System. She and her team advance nursing practices and professional development through innovations like the Upward Mobility Program, which helps nurses earn bachelor of science degrees in partnership with Mount Sinai Phillips School of Nursing. She leads cardiovascular health-related community outreach programs in partnership with American Heart Association, which appointed her as president of its New York City board, making her the first nurse to hold this position. She is also past chair of its My Heart, My Life campaign, which aims to improve the cardiovascular health of Americans by 20 percent. Among the research papers she co-authored is a study on preventing heart failure readmission with evident-based management. She was also inducted into the New York Academy of Medicine board of trustees.
Melodie Osborn, BSN, RN. Chief Nurse Executive for Renown Health (Reno, Nev.). Ms. Osborne oversees nursing and seamless care across Nevada’s largest not-for-profit integrated delivery system. She first joined the system in 2011, and now serves as the primary nursing voice for over 2,700 nurses. In 2023, she worked with donors and University of Nevada, Reno, to create an academic pipeline to address the nursing shortage via full-ride scholarship funding for up to 24 nursing students each year. Scholarship recipients may also complete a paid apprenticeship at Renown with guaranteed hospital jobs following graduation and licensure. Ms. Osborne is also past president of Nevada Organization for Nurse Leaders.
Kathryn Pagliaroli, BSN, RN. Senior Vice President, COO and CNO of Oswego (N.Y.) Health. Ms. Pagliaroli, in her role as senior vice president, COO and CNO, offers executive leadership and guidance for clinical operations and nursing programs aligned with Oswego Health's vision and mission. Her accomplishments include being recognized in 2013 as one of Oswego County Magazine's "40 under 40" recipients, receiving the CNY Organization for Nurse Executives and Leaders "Regional Leadership Award" in 2019, and earning a "Rising Leader Award" from the New York Organization of Nurse Leaders in 2022. Currently, Ms. Pagliaroli is coordinating with Oswego Health's senior leadership team to address staff retention and recruitment. Ms. Pagliaroli began her career at Oswego Health in 2001 as a RN in the ICU, and has held several leadership positions within the organization since.
Melanie Patterson, DNP, RN. CNO and Vice President of Patient Care Services at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (Orange, Calif). Serving as CNO since 2014, Dr. Patterson has led the hospital’s patient care teams through transformative change and growth over the last decade. Dr. Patterson, who began her 30-year tenure at Children’s Hospital of Orange County in its graduate program, served as the health system’s incident commander during the Covid-19 pandemic. In that role, she led key decision-making as the system navigated a rapidly changing landscape and challenges, including staff and supply chain shortages. She collaborated with the health system’s population health division to launch a 24/7 nurse advice line, allowing the community to get free advice from pediatric experts on a range of conditions, as well as information about where to receive the correct type of medical care. Under Dr. Patterson’s leadership, CHOC achieved three of its four Magnet designations. Before her appointment as CNO, Dr. Patterson served in several capacities at CHOC, including bedside nurse, charge nurse, clinical coordinator, nurse manager, executive director of its Hyundai Cancer Institute, and executive director of operations for the construction, opening and licensure of its 425,000-square-foot patient care tower that opened in 2013.
Kasey Paulus, RN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive for WellSpan Health (York, Pa.). Ms. Paulus oversees nursing strategy and operations for more than 5,150 nursing team members across various care settings. Ms. Paulus has championed initiatives to redesign the workforce and care models, including a strategic partnership with Jersey College in Teterboro, N.J. to establish a new nursing school in York County, Pa. aimed at addressing the national nursing shortage with a flexible associate degree program. She also developed the RN model of the future, which simplifies job architecture and aligns compensation across roles to enhance retention and professional growth.
Emily Pegues, RN. CNO for St. Mary's Medical Center (Blue Springs, Mo.). Ms. Pegues is responsible for managing operations at a 137-licensed bed hospital, overseeing 467 employees and handling approximately 3,300 annual admissions and 22,000 emergency room visits. Her direct oversight encompasses multiple departments, including nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, cardiology and surgical services, among others. With extensive experience in healthcare management, she has a proven track record of achieving success in both nursing and non-nursing operations. Ms. Pegues excels in key areas such as communication, labor management and team building, which enables her to foster collaboration and develop leaders within the organization. Notably, she successfully executed a $5 million reduction in labor expenses during her first year as CNO by stabilizing the workforce, minimizing reliance on agency staff and improving daily management of patient length of stay.
Shannon Pengel, MSN, RN. Vice President and CNO at Cleveland Clinic. Ms. Pengel is the vice president and CNO for the Cleveland Clinic system's main campus. She oversees nursing activities and operations throughout all the main campus's facilities, which comprises about 1,400 beds, over 100 operating rooms, and additional tertiary care. She is responsible for nursing strategy, care delivery innovation, clinical nursing functions, financial stewardship and evidence-based research, among many other tasks. She was previously the associate CNO for the main campus. Ms. Pengel also served as the clinical nursing director of Cleveland Clinic's Anesthesiology Institute and the Miller Family Heart and Vascular Institute. She has been with the system for over two decades, having joined in 1997 as a staff nurse in the ardiothoracic step-down unit.
Beena Peters, DNP, RN. System Chief Nursing Executive for Cook County Health (Chicago). Dr. Peters is the system chief nursing executive for Cook County Health, one of the largest public health systems in the U.S., which encompasses two hospitals and 14 community centers. Reporting directly to the CEO, she oversees nursing operations, quality, education and workforce development across the system, managing a budget exceeding $200 million as well as over 2,400 full-time equivalents. In her nearly six-year tenure, she has created new leadership positions, established collaborative labor-management meetings, and redesigned nursing quality programs focused on patient safety. Her initiatives have led to reductions in hospital-acquired conditions, including a 97% decrease in pressure injuries and a 58% decline in urinary tract infections. Dr. Peters has also reopened ICU services at Provident Hospital in Chicago and secured substantial grants for workforce development and specialized training. She is also part of the American Academy of Nursing 2024 fellowship program.
Carol Porter, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO for The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston). As senior vice president and CNO, Dr. Porter oversees a team of 5,389 nurses at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She co-leads the Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing, which focuses on advancing oncology nursing through education, innovation and wellness programs. Under her leadership, MD Anderson has maintained its Magnet status and is working towards a sixth consecutive designation. Dr. Porter has led nursing teams through significant events, including Hurricane Harvey and the Covid-19 pandemic. She is a globally recognized speaker on nursing excellence and has presented on advanced practice nursing in countries like Italy, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. MD Anderson, under her direction, has received numerous accolades, including the U.S. News & World Report’s top ranking for cancer care and a 5-star Vizient rating for safety.
Julie Powell, MSN, RN. President, CEO and CNO at McAlester (Okla.) Regional Health Center. Ms. Powell serves as president, CEO and CNO at McAlester Regional Health Center. As CNO, she oversees all nursing aspects at McAlester Regional, including every nursing department, nursing education, risk and regulatory and the medical staff office. Since becoming CNO, she has made changes to sustain the system's nursing workforce, improve quality outcomes and improve customer service scores. She leads by educating and modeling professionalism to her frontline staffers. In addition to leading nursing services, she is responsible for overseeing pharmacy, home care services, education and patient safety.
Jean Putnam, DNP, RN. Chief Nurse Executive for Baptist Health South Florida (Coral Gables). Dr. Putnam oversees a team of more than 9,200 nurses across the largest nonprofit healthcare system in South Florida. With over 30 years of experience, she has led numerous research projects and secured nearly $10 million in grants focused on nursing innovation and care redesign. Dr. Putnam’s leadership has earned her several accolades, including the "Excellence in Leadership" award from Executive Women in Healthcare in 2022.
Linda Puu, MSN, RN. System Chief Nursing Executive and Senior Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety at The Queen’s Health System (Honolulu). Ms. Puu brings more than 35 years of experience as a nurse and nurse leader to her roles as system chief nursing executive and senior vice president of quality and patient safety for The Queen's Health System. Her clinical background in critical care and telemetry provides the executive team with a unique perspective. Ms. Puu is responsible for meeting the system's goals in relation to nursing, overseeing nursing across clinical settings, transforming the future of nursing, improving patient safety and outcomes, and developing and implementing strategic plans for clinical quality and patient safety. She has led the creation of strategic plans for fiscal years 2023-25, established academic-practice partnerships with schools of nursing, launched a yearlong nurse residency program, created educational training pathways for nurses and led negotiations with Hawaii Nurses Association to benefit nurses.
Karla Ramberger, DNP, RN. System CNO at Baylor Scott & White Health (Dallas). Dr. Ramberger is responsible for advancing clinical practice among its nursing staff of 16,000, as well as improving safety and quality outcomes across the 52-hospital Baylor Scott & White Health system. In 2019, she joined Baylor Scott & White Health as CNO of the system’s central region and Baylor University Medical Center. During her tenure, the medical center has earned its fifth consecutive Magnet Designation with exemplars, and has achieved its Zero Preventable Harm goals each year. She also was the driving force behind standing up the health system’s first North Texas Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program. Previously, Dr. Ramberger served as CNO for Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas, where she was instrumental in reducing nursing turnover and boosting engagement. She began her career as an emergency department intern and went on to have a 24-year tenure in various leadership roles, including CNO with Methodist Dallas Medical Center and as system CNO for Dallas-based Methodist Health System.
Renee Rassilyer-Bomers, DNP, RN. Interim CNO for Providence Swedish, North Division (Seattle). Dr. Rassilyer-Bomers, interim CNO for Providence’s North Division, oversees 8,006 registered nurses and administrators across Providence Swedish and Providence Alaska. Her leadership has resulted in significant improvements in productivity, staff development and nurse retention, including a 15% reduction in overall turnover and a 27% drop in first-year nurse turnover. She introduced a nursing apprenticeship program during Covid-19, allowing students to fulfill clinical hours while working as nurse technicians, which eased the burden on their personal lives and encouraged post-graduation employment. Dr. Rassilyer-Bomers also expanded the Simulation Center at the Swedish Cherry Hill hospital campus in Seattle, offering cutting-edge training for emergency care. A key advocate for nursing professionals, she has played a vital role in government relations, labor negotiations and vaccine distribution efforts.
Debra Raupers, MSN, RN. Executive Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive for Guthrie (Sayre, Pa.). As executive vice president and chief nurse executive, Ms. Raupers oversees nursing practice across the entire Guthrie health system, ensuring high standards of patient care and clinical outcomes. She collaborates with senior leadership to set strategic goals and integrate nursing practices into overall operational performance, focusing on improving clinical outcomes and supporting interdisciplinary care teams. Ms. Raupers has been instrumental in developing performance improvement initiatives and a professional practice model for patient care, tailored to each facility's unique needs. Her leadership was key in the implementation of team-based nursing, allowing nurses to operate at the top of their license, as well as the creation of the Guthrie Pulse Center, which provides virtual support to bedside nurses. Ms. Raupers has decades of nursing leadership experience, including her previous role as Magnet program director.
Cheryl Reinking, DNP, RN. CNO for El Camino Health (Mountain View, Calif.). Dr. Reinking has led the health system’s nursing division for over a decade, overseeing a team of more than 2,000 nurses and support staff. She is a staunch advocate for professional development and work-life balance for her nursing staff. With 35 years at El Camino Health, she has built a career in nursing that has taken her from clinical nurse to CNO. Under her leadership, the system earned its fourth consecutive Magnet Designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She has been instrumental in developing innovative nurse retention strategies, contributing to a nurse turnover rate below the national average. Her efforts have also led to the El Camino Health emergency department receiving the 2023 "Lantern Award" from the Emergency Nurses Association for excellence in leadership and practice. Dr. Reinking serves on multiple boards, including Pathways Home Health and Hospice.
Hazel Robertshaw, PhD, RN. CNO and Vice President of Patient Care Services for UR Medicine Thompson Health (Canandaigua, N.Y.). Serving in her role since 2008, Dr. Robertshaw has led the hospital in securing the Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and achieving multiple Joint Commission certifications and Centers of Excellence designations. Under her leadership, UR Medicine Thompson Health has outperformed national benchmarks in fall prevention, infection control and patient satisfaction. Committed to education and workforce development, Dr. Robertshaw established partnerships with local universities, including the University of Rochester School of Nursing scholars' program, to increase the number of BSN-trained nurses and provide tuition support for nursing students. She also launched an RN residency program, covering key hospital departments, to ensure a seamless transition for new graduates into clinical practice.
Mary Robinson, PhD, RN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive for Texas Health Resources (Arlington). Dr. Robinson partners with the chief medical officer to enhance the nurse practice environment and improve patient outcomes across the 29-hospital system. With more than 40 years of acute care experience, she leads clinical excellence initiatives, overseeing more than 9,800 nurses to ensure reliable healthcare delivery. Under her leadership, Texas Health Resources hospitals have maintained Magnet recognition or Pathway to Excellence designation for more than a decade.
Betty Jo Rocchio. Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive for Mercy (Chesterfield, Mo.). Dr. Rocchio, senior vice president and chief nurse executive at Mercy, leads over 12,000 nurses and oversees strategic clinical, and operational excellence across various nursing departments. She is known for her innovative approach, notably launching "Mercy Works On Demand," a gig nursing workforce platform that has saved $52 million in premium labor costs while improving nurse scheduling flexibility. Under her leadership, Mercy has also developed technology solutions like an automated inventory system and a perioperative dashboard to enhance efficiency. Dr. Rocchio continues to practice as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, which informs her leadership. She is frequently featured in industry podcasts, journals and conferences, sharing insights on technology's role in nursing.
Anna Liza Rodriguez, MSN, RN. CNO and Vice President of Nursing and Patient Care Services for Fox Chase Cancer Center (Philadelphia). As CNO at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Ms. Rodriguez oversees all nursing and patient care operations, ensuring the center maintains its prestigious Magnet status for nursing excellence. She leads strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes, reducing costs and fostering an evidence-based, individualized approach to care. Her leadership has resulted in Fox Chase becoming a destination for nurses, with significantly lower turnover rates than industry averages. Under her guidance, Fox Chase nurses have made significant contributions to national and international conferences, and in 2023, the center achieved its sixth Magnet designation. Ms. Rodriguez has also been instrumental in securing a $564,000 Department of Defense grant to increase clinical trial enrollment among underrepresented kidney cancer patients.
Mary Rogers, MSN, RN. Assistant Vice President for Orlando (Fla.) Health and CNO for Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. Ms. Rogers, CNO at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, has dedicated nearly four decades to Orlando Health. Starting as a staff nurse in 1987, Ms. Rogers has advanced through various leadership roles, including patient care administrator and nursing operations manager. Her leadership has been pivotal in achieving Magnet designation for both hospitals, reflecting the team’s commitment to quality care. Ms. Rogers played a key role in opening a new hematology oncology unit for pediatric patients and leading the third redesignation of her Magnet hospitals. She is deeply focused on innovative strategies for onboarding, training and retaining nurses. Looking forward, her leadership will be vital in the development of the new Orlando Health Children’s Pavilion, set to open in 2026.
Robert Rose, DNP, RN. Market Chief Nurse Executive for Atrium Health (Charlotte, N.C.). Dr. Rose serves as the market chief nursing executive for Atrium Health, where he is responsible for overseeing all nursing functions and patient care areas, focusing on quality, safety and operational efficiency. His role includes promoting a service-oriented culture that emphasizes patient experience, employee engagement and accountability within nursing practice. Dr. Rose advocates for strategic patient care priorities while leading initiatives aimed at achieving quality outcomes and compliance with Magnet standards. He also prioritizes DEI, exemplified by his mentorship of the first Black CNO in his market and his efforts to establish a nursing DEI support council. Notably, Dr. Rose has implemented a president of nursing role, which has enhanced professional governance and improved both nursing efficiency and patient satisfaction. His leadership has garnered multiple recognitions, including the hospital’s third Magnet designation.
Patricia Rosenberg, MSN, RN. CNO for Touro (Metairie, La.). Ms. Rosenberg has over 20 years of executive healthcare leadership experience. Throughout her career, she has served on executive teams at various hospitals and health systems nationwide, focusing on continuous quality improvement and the implementation of evidence-based nursing practices. Her guidance was key in guiding Touro through the Covid-19 pandemic. Prior to her current role, she was the CNO for Palm Beach (Fla.) Gardens Medical Center and Florida Medical Center in Lauderdale Lakes.
Ashley Roy, DNP, RN. CNO of Ochsner Children's Hospital (New Orleans). Dr. Roy transitioned to the CNO position at Ochsner Children's Hospital and pediatric services in September 2024. Prior, she was CNO for Meridian, Miss.-based Ochsner Rush Health from 2022 on. Dr. Roy began her career at Ochsner Rush in 2017 as a clinical registered nurse manager, focusing on team engagement and development within the telemetry and medical-surgical unit. As she moved into leadership roles, including vice president of nursing services, she implemented programs that enhanced quality and patient experience while fostering team engagement through feedback initiatives. In her new role, she aims to reconnect with her passion for pediatrics and elevate the nursing voice to enrich and expand Ochsner Children's Hospital's pediatrics program.
Susan Russell, MSN, RN. CNO for Singing River Health System (Ocean Springs, Miss.). Ms. Russell serves as CNO for Singing River Health System, overseeing clinical and administrative leadership for over 900 staff members across acute care facilities, clinics and post-acute departments. She has implemented key initiatives, including developing a medical withdrawal program for patients with addiction and establishing a skilled nursing facility on the Pascagoula, Miss. campus. With a strong background in nursing and healthcare administration, Ms. Russell has driven improvements in patient care and organizational efficiency. She also consolidated critical care services under one leadership structure and created a critical care internship program to address the nursing shortage. Additionally, she played a key role in the development of the organization's rapid response team. She currently serves on the Pascagoula library advisory board, the Jackson County Historical Society, and the Mississippi Organization of Nurse Leaders as board member at large.
Caryl Ryan, BSN, RN. CNO, COO and Vice President of Patient Services for UConn John Dempsey Hospital (Farmington, Conn.). Ms. Ryan serves in a multifaceted leadership role at UConn John Dempsey Hospital as CNO, COO and vice president of patient services. She oversees a wide range of departments, including nursing, epidemiology, clinical quality, cancer services and inpatient services, while also being responsible for the operational and regulatory oversight of the hospital. With 35 years of service at UConn Health, Ms. Ryan has advanced through various nursing roles, from ICU staff nurse to nursing director, demonstrating a deep commitment to patient-centric care and infection prevention. Her leadership has driven the development of key units within the hospital. Ms. Ryan is also a member of the Connecticut Hospital Association’s quality and safety committee.
Kelli Sadler, RN. Chief Nursing Executive and Senior Vice President of Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan (Southfield). A seasoned nursing leader, Ms. Sadler joined Corewell Health in January 2023 and has served in numerous roles throughout her career, which has spanned nearly three decades. She has made strides toward creating additional partnerships with local colleges and universities to diversify and grow the nursing workforce at Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan. She has also continued to expand flexible work options for nurses, such as the virtual nurse program and weekend alternative nurse positions. In her previous leadership role with Novant Health in Winston-Salem, N.C., all of the greater Charlotte, N.C. market hospitals attained an "A" for their Leapfrog hospital safety grade score, hand hygiene significantly improved to top decile, and the hospitals achieved a significant reduction in hospital-acquired infections.
Lisa Salameh, BSN, RN. Vice President and CNO at Sturdy Health (Attleboro, Mass.). Ms. Salameh provides executive leadership on all matters related to nursing practice and nursing administration at Sturdy. She is responsible for nursing practice throughout all service lines, providing leadership to 275 full-time employees across several departments and disciplines. She establishes guidelines for the delivery of nursing care, treatment and services and provides oversight for nursing policy and procedure approval. She has years of experience in medical, clinical and therapeutic disciplines as a hands-on leader. She is also an advocate for mental healthcare within the health space. She is passionate about banishing the stigma surrounding mental health in medicine.
Carly Sanders. CNO of South Central Health (Wishek, N.D.). Ms. Sanders provides leadership for the nursing staff at the 24-bed South Central Health, ensuring alignment with the critical access hospital's goals and regulatory standards through the development and implementation of policies and procedures. She oversees the recruitment, hiring and retention of qualified nurses and certified nursing assistants, fostering a professional and supportive work environment. In addition to managing budgets for various departments, including med-surg, emergency room and operating room, Ms. Sanders collaborates with senior management to strategize organizational initiatives. She played a key role in the recent transition to a new EHR system, enhancing operational efficiency. A dedicated patient advocate, she is committed to improving the patient experience and delivering top-quality care.
Kathleen Sanford, DBA, RN. Executive Vice President and CNO at CommonSpirit (Chicago). Ms. Sanford is tasked with managing and operating the nursing practice, patient care services, care coordination, nurse education, nursing research, patient experience, behavioral health, nursing informatics and more for the 140-hospital, 2,200-care site health system. Prior to joining CommonSpirit in 2006, she served as chief nurse and acting state surgeon/medical commander of the Washington Army National Guard. She has also served on several boards, including the American Hospital Association and the Tri-Council for Nursing. She is also past president of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, as well as a current fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Roland L. Santos, MSN, RN. CNO for Encino (Calif.) Hospital Medical Center and Sherman Oaks (Calif.) Hospital. Mr. Santos serves as CNO for Encino Hospital Medical Center and Sherman Oaks Hospital, where he oversees clinical and administrative nursing operations. He is tasked with implementing the organization's strategic plan, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective patient care across various specialties, including acute medicine, surgical services, critical care and emergency medicine. Mr. Santos collaborates closely with management and medical leadership to achieve hospital goals focused on cost reduction, revenue enhancement and quality improvement. He utilizes data analysis to guide his management decisions and support the development of clinical programs. Mr. Santos has developed innovative clinical programs, including the cardiac catheterization laboratory and subacute services, significantly enhancing the services offered at his hospitals.
Maureen Scanlan, MSN, RN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive for Montefiore Einstein (Bronx, N.Y.). As senior vice president and chief nurse executive at Montefiore Einstein, Ms. Scanlan leads all aspects of professional nursing practice within the Montefiore Health System. With over 30 years of experience at Montefiore, she leverages her deep institutional knowledge and data-driven leadership to enhance professional growth and improve patient outcomes. She works with nursing staff to implement policies that establish standardized processes and measurable outcomes. She spearheaded the design of a comprehensive nursing strategic plan, which supports hospital vision, builds sustainable entry-level workforce programs, and implements the first medical center-wide nurse residency program. One of Ms. Scanlan's most notable achievements was leading the strategy for the journey to American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet designation for Montefiore's Wakefield Campus in 2022. In addition, she helped implement a nursing professional governance model.
Jennifer Schmidt, MSN, RN. CNO for Lakeview Hospital (Covington, La.). Lakeview Hospital, part of LCMC Health, appointed Ms. Schmidt as its CNO in 2017. With over 20 years of experience at the health system, Ms. Schmidt previously served as the associate chief nursing officer and the onsite nursing leader for Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children. In her role, she coordinates patient care activities across the hospital while providing leadership as the senior nursing authority. She has a proven track record, having held various positions including clinical supervisor of the pediatric ICU, clinical manager, and director of pediatrics and women’s and children’s services.
Veronica Scott-Fulton. Chief Nurse Executive at Bon Secours Mercy Health (Cincinnati, Ohio). Ms. Scott-Fulton joined Bon Secours in 2023 and is responsible for leading nursing strategy for the organization's 22,000 nurses. Previously, she served as chief nursing executive for St. Louis-based Ascension Health’s Illinois market, overseeing the nursing strategy for 14 hospitals and 5,000 nurses. She has previously held a variety of health system leadership positions, including executive director of nursing operations for Miami (Fla.) Children's Health System and vice president of operations and patient care services for Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla.
Patricia “Trish” Shucoski, DNP, MSN, RN. Chief Nurse Executive for BayCare Health System (Clearwater, Fla.). Dr. Schucoski is the chief nurse executive for BayCare Health System, overseeing nursing practice, programs and education across its 16 hospitals. In her role, she manages over 11,000 nurses and spearheads initiatives aimed at improving customer access and operational efficiency. As part of the executive leadership team, Dr. Shucoski is redesigning the nursing care delivery model to incorporate innovation and virtual nursing, enhancing direct patient access to medical professionals. Her leadership has significantly contributed to BayCare's reputation for patient care excellence, resulting in multiple awards for patient outcomes. Dr. Shucoski has also driven operational efficiencies that led to a reduction in contract labor utilization by over 50% and a decrease in incentive premium pay by 32%. She also advocates for continuing education and professional development within the nursing team.
Opal Sinclair-Chung. CNO for NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County (Brooklyn, N.Y.). Mrs. Sinclair-Chung has received multiple leadership awards for her work as CNO at NYC Health + Hospitals, including the prestigious Sloan Public Service Award from the Fund for the City of New York. She currently leads the nursing workforce at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, the largest municipal hospital in Brooklyn and a level I trauma center. Under her leadership, Kings County became the first hospital in Brooklyn, N.Y. and the second in New York City to achieve Pathway to Excellence designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Additionally, her nursing staff from the medical ICU, cardiac care unit, and neonatal ICU received gold and silver Beacon awards in 2024 from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Mrs. Sinclair-Chung is committed to developing effective policies and procedures that foster highly engaged team members, prioritizing patient experience and quality outcomes.
Maureen Sintich, DNP, RN. Chief Nurse Executive and Executive Vice President of Inova (Falls Church, Va.). Since September 2017, Dr. Sintich has led Inova’s nursing professional practice team and six CNOs representing Inova's five hospitals and nursing informatics. She has over two decades of experience in nursing strategy, including models of care, staffing standards, patient experience and the integration of population health initiatives. Prior to Inova, she held an executive role at Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health.
Bryan W. Sisk, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive for Memorial Hermann Health System (Houston). Dr. Sisk, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Memorial Hermann Health System, oversees a nursing workforce of more than 14,000 across 17 hospitals and over 260 care sites. He has driven innovative career pathways, advanced nursing leadership, and spearheaded services like the nurse health line and forensic nursing services, all of which provide critical community support. Dr. Sisk has launched initiatives such as the Institute for Nursing Excellence and HEAL High School, promoting healthcare education and workforce development. His leadership has also strengthened Memorial Hermann’s Magnet designation and its efforts in healthcare policy, including workplace violence prevention. Dr. Sisk has successfully reduced nursing vacancies and turnover while enhancing patient care through innovation and collaboration.
Joyce Soule, DNP, RN. CNO of Medical City Dallas. With more than 20 years of nursing experience, Dr. Soule has led Medical City Dallas' nursing team since 2017. The 899-bed acute care hospital was the first in North Texas to earn the prestigious Magnet designation 20 years ago and recently received the honor for the fifth straight time. Under her leadership, the hospital has achieved numerous awards for quality care, including an "A" rating for safety by the Leapfrog Group. Her leadership style focuses on team development, collegial decision-making and strategic planning. She has deep knowledge of the clinical, regulatory and financial elements critical to the success of nursing operations. Her work experience includes leadership positions at both academic and private-practice hospitals and for-profit and not-for-profit health systems.
Sherri L. Sprague, BSN, RN. CNO and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services at Kent Hospital (Warwick, R.I.). As CNO at Kent Hospital, Ms. Sprague leads the nursing team and spearheads nursing practices. With a history of leadership roles at Providence, R.I.-based Care New England, including interim CNO and associate CNO, she has a strong track record of achievements that align with Kent Hospital's compassionate care mission. Notable accomplishments at Kent Hospital include developing an ambulatory service dashboard, increasing patient portal enrollment by 140%, and reducing emergency department ambulance diversion hours by 80% through a rapid triage model. Ms. Sprague has also optimized workforce recruitment and engagement, stabilizing nursing vacancies and reducing labor costs. Additionally, she played a key role in representing Care New England in legislative discussions on multi-state nursing license requirements. In 2022, she was honored with the Providence Business News "40 Under Forty" award.
Mila Sprouse, EdD, MSN, RN. Vice President and CNO for Virginia Mason Medical Center (Seattle). Dr. Sprouse oversees nursing operations across a wide range of healthcare settings, including inpatient, outpatient and emergency care centers, as well as primary care and long-term care facilities. She directs over 200 advanced provider practitioners and is responsible for ensuring quality, safe and cost-effective care. Dr. Sprouse has led initiatives to reduce hospital-acquired infections and improve key metrics, including increasing medication titration compliance from 20% to 95%. Her leadership in patient care has garnered significant recognition, including several national nursing awards in 2023. She also spearheaded a large medical mission in the Philippines, serving over 1,000 people in a typhoon-affected area. Dr. Sprouse currently holds leadership roles in various nursing organizations, including the Philippine Nurses Association and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
Cathy Stankiewicz, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO at AdventHealth Central Florida Division (Orlando, Fla.). Dr. Stankiewicz leads nursing and clinical operations for AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division, comprising 17 hospitals and off-site emergency departments. She joined AdventHealth in 1991 as a graduate nurse and has since served in various roles and leadership positions, most recently as CNO for AdventHealth Orlando (Fla.). During her tenure as CNO, AdventHealth Orlando improved key clinical measures, achieving the Leapfrog “A” hospital safety grade. She was also recognized by her team for her leadership and presence throughout multiple Covid-19 surges. Post-pandemic, Dr. Stankiewicz led the health system’s strategic plan to refortify nursing workforces, cutting RN turnover in half, reducing travel-nurses by 98%, and recruiting more than 7,500 registered nurses and thousands of patient care technicians and licensed practical nurses. Additionally, since 2020 she has overseen the investment of over $100 million into nursing pay and bonus initiatives, as well as $15.5 million towards Florida’s nursing schools, the introduction of dedicated education units at seven hospitals in partnership with area colleges and universities, and the implementation of virtual nursing in inpatient and emergency department settings.
Helen Staples-Evans, DNP, RN. CNO and Senior Vice President for Patient Care Services at Loma Linda (Calif.) University Medical Center. Dr. Staples-Evans, senior vice president and CNO at Loma Linda University Health, oversees the 4,600-member nursing team, focusing on strategic leadership, professional development, retention and engagement. She has played a key role in enhancing the professional practice of nurses by developing programs such as the clinical ladder program and the new graduate nursing residency, which provides mentored experiences to new nurses. Her leadership was instrumental in Loma Linda's achievement of Magnet designation, particularly during the pandemic when she navigated the American Nurses Credentialing Center's first-ever virtual site visit. She also led efforts to open two new hospitals in 2021, maintaining high patient care standards throughout. Her 42-year tenure at the health system has resulted in her receiving the system's 2024 president's distinguished service award.
Renee Stewart, MSN, RN. CNO of Lower Bucks Hospital (Bucks County, Pa.). Ms. Stewart serves as a key figure at Lower Bucks Hospital, providing both clinical and administrative guidance to ensure high-quality patient care. Her leadership has significantly improved physician engagement, nursing practices and overall care quality, leading to notable achievements such as optimized patient flow and reduced emergency department stay lengths. Ms. Stewart emphasizes performance improvement and education for nursing professionals while fostering collaboration among nursing staff, physicians and clinical departments. Under her direction, Lower Bucks Hospital has garnered numerous accolades, including the Healthgrades "Patient Safety Excellence" award and an "A" grade from Leapfrog. Before joining Lower Bucks Hospital, Ms. Stewart was manager of case management at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia.
Andrew Storer, PhD, DNP, RN. CNO and Senior Vice President for Patient Care Services at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Buffalo, N.Y.). Dr. Storer leads a team of more than 800 nurses across inpatient, ambulatory and community practices at the 126-year-old Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. His efforts to increase nurse engagement have helped drive record-low turnover and vacancy. Nurse turnover at Roswell Park is a full 10 percentage points lower than the national average. Dr. Storer’s passion for education and development helped power a number of Roswell Park nursing accomplishments, including accreditation with distinction for the nurse residency program, the establishment of a continuing education program and the creation of one of the first cancer center nurse training facilities to incorporate high-fidelity simulation. A champion of DEI, Dr. Storer has driven transformation in care delivery, creating healthy work environments, promoting sustainability and supporting a culture of innovation in scholarship. In his earlier roles as deputy CNO and executive director of nursing professional development, practice and research, he played a pivotal part in expanding learning and career opportunities for oncology nurses at all levels. He serves as clinical editor for the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Society and is a fellow of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Sherry Stotler, MSN, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO for Valleywise Health (Phoenix). Since April 2008, Ms. Stotler has served as the CNO and senior vice president of patient services at Valleywise Health, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare through effective resource management and systems implementation. With expertise in change management and quality improvement, Ms. Stotler oversees various services, including acute and emergency services and behavioral health. She also recently facilitated the smooth transition of over 200 patients to the new Valleywise Health Medical Center. Under her leadership, the hospital achieved a “B” hospital safety grade from the Leapfrog Group, the highest rating in its history. In response to a nursing shortage exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Ms. Stotler spearheaded innovative recruitment initiatives, including a “Grow Your Own” program and partnerships with educational institutions to develop future nursing talent. She collaborates with statewide organizations to tackle the nursing workforce crisis and has shared her expertise nationally as a member of the DNV Healthcare advisory board committee.
Regenia Stull, DNP, RN. CNO of Liberty (Mo.) Hospital. Dr. Stull is CNO of Liberty Hospital, where she oversees all nursing services ranging from inpatient nursing, perioperative services and more. She manages approximately 800 employees with a collaborative leadership approach. Since Dr. Stull joined the hospital in January 2022, the organization has reinstated an effective professional governance model, implemented nursing pipeline strategies, revived many of its recognition programs and reduced nursing turnover by 50 percent. Under her guidance, the executive team has established premier workplace habits and encouraged partnerships with stakeholders across the organization.
Jay Sundheimer, RN. Chief Nurse Executive of Rust Medical Center (Albuquerque, N.M.). Mr. Sundheimer's responsibilities as chief nurse executive of Rust Medical Center encompass strategic, administrative and clinical aspects of patient care delivery. He closely collaborates with interdisciplinary teams and leads the development and implementation of nursing policies, protocols and standards for the medical center. Under Mr. Sundheimer's leadership, the New Mexico Hospital Association recognized the medical center as a top acute care hospital. One of his standout achievements is multiple years of zero central line-associated bloodstream infections in a hospital that provides inpatient oncology services and open-heart surgery, particularly in a border community. Previously, Mr. Sundheimer served as assistant CNO at Memorial Medical Center Las Cruces (N.M.).
Annette Sy, DNP, RN. Chief Nursing Executive for Keck Medical Center (Los Angeles). Dr. Sy has served as the chief nursing executive for Keck Medical Center of USC since 2012, overseeing approximately 1,300 nurses and managing both inpatient and outpatient nursing services. With over 30 years of nursing experience, she is dedicated to ensuring clinical quality standards, patient experience and nursing competency across Keck Hospital and USC Norris Cancer Hospital. Under her leadership, the nursing team achieved its first Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which was renewed in 2023. Dr. Sy also launched the Keck Medicine Nursing Institute, designed to promote education, leadership and clinical expertise for around 4,000 nurses across the health system. Additionally, she developed a nursing professionalism program in collaboration with the Vanderbilt University Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy, training over 200 nurses as peer messengers to support their colleagues. Her initiatives include creating a clinical ladder program to enhance nurse retention and satisfaction, alongside managing the nursing division's budget and quality metrics.
Renae Taylor, BSN, RN. Vice President and CNO for UNC Health Southeastern (Lumberton, N.C.). Ms. Taylor oversees all nursing care across the UNC Health Southeastern health system, including both inpatient and outpatient services. She oversees pharmacy, wound care, respiratory, surgical services and maternal child health. She leads the system's quality and safety initiatives, notably implementing a daily safety tiered plan where leaders convene virtually to address key issues and potential concerns. Under her leadership, the system has achieved significant operational improvements, including reducing the average length of stay from 4.5 to 4.0 days and decreasing observation hours from 40 to 30 over the past year.
Kim Tharp-Barrie, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO for Norton Healthcare (Louisville, Ky.). With over 40 years of healthcare experience, Dr. Tharp-Barrie exemplifies care in action through advocacy and innovation. Focusing on building systems that create the next generation of compassionate professionals, in 2010 she created what is now called Norton Healthcare Institute for Education & Development, growing it from four nurses to 81 to serve clinical education needs and advance nursing practice. Committed to understanding the importance of giving voice to employees, she was also named a Louisville Business First "Enterprising Woman" for 2023. She elevates several nursing programs and continues creating equitable pathways to bring more people into nursing. She has been key in the public schools academy program, which brings nursing opportunities to the classroom. In the community, she focuses on leading sexual assault and intimate partner violence programming for victims and their families.
Amy Thiesse, PhD, RN. CNO at Sanford Health Network (Sioux Falls, S.D.). With more than 30 years of nursing experience in tertiary and frontier hospitals, ambulatory and nursing home settings, Dr. Thiesse oversees nursing practice and the provision of nursing services in more than 25 rural medical centers and dozens of clinics. An advocate for equitably meeting the needs of rural communities, she is committed to upholding high standards for safe nursing practices, as well as skill and professional development opportunities tailored to rural frontline nurses. Understanding the unique needs and challenges associated with recruiting qualified nurses to smaller communities, Dr. Thiesse works closely with higher education institutions in the area to create opportunities for investigative learning and internships for nursing students. During her tenure as CNO, the health system’s shared governance body, called the Nursing Senate, has seen immense growth, improved communication and better outcomes.
Rhonda Thompson, DNP, RN. Chief Nursing Executive and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services for Phoenix Children’s. Dr. Thompson, chief nursing executive and senior vice president of patient care services for Phoenix Children’s, focuses on enhancing quality care and the patient experience at the hospital. She recently played a pivotal role in opening Phoenix Children’s Hospital–Arrowhead Campus, a new 175,000-square-foot facility that will serve up to 72,000 patients annually. Dr. Thompson also spearheaded the clinical nurse attending program, which places experienced nurse leaders in supervisory roles to intervene early in patient care, reducing serious safety events and enhancing clinical outcomes. Committed to addressing the nationwide nursing shortage, she helped launch an educational partnership with Arizona State University to provide hands-on pediatric training, significantly lowering turnover rates among new nurses. Dr. Thompson’s efforts also include extending Phoenix Children’s nurse residency program to 18 months, emphasizing robust curriculum and innovative training methods like virtual reality to better prepare nurses for real-world healthcare challenges.
Janet Tomcavage, MSN, RN. Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at Geisinger (Danville, Pa.). Ms. Tomcavage drives strategies to improve Geisinger’s nursing practice, focusing on retention and recruitment efforts that promote professional development, innovation and recognition. Retention efforts like Geisinger’s nursing scholars program helped more than 250 employees begin a nursing career at Geisinger. Expanding the program to include more nursing and support roles more than doubled enrollment, contributing to its highest number of internal promotions to RN. She guided the expansion of Geisinger’s nursing co-op and intern/extern programs to secure a student-to-employee pipeline. After opening biannual enrollment, Geisinger’s School of Nursing nearly doubled enrollment this past year. Annually, 70% of nursing school graduates choose to work at Geisinger. Her retention and recruitment efforts led to an 8.2% voluntary turnover rate this past year, which is considered the top decile in the nation. She also sponsors innovative nursing care models and champions technological investments like virtual nursing that empower each team member to work to the top of their skill set, license and education. Hiring 14 virtual nurses helped serve more than 500 beds and expedited 16,690 discharges and admissions, freeing up bedside nurses for direct patient care. The care team redesign is being deployed across nine hospital platforms.
John Tressa, DNP, RN. Chief Nursing Executive for Endeavor Health (Evanston, Ill.). Dr. Tressa is responsible for promoting nurse excellence across more than 300 sites of care, advocating for voices and needs of nursing staff. He fosters an integrated environment where nurses are empowered to manage their clinical practices and recognized for their commitment to patient care. Dr. Tressa ensures consistency in nursing standards across the system while directing the strategic initiatives for nursing services, shaping institutional policies and practices. He also engages with staff and patients by rounding in acute care and ambulatory sites, enhancing the patient care experience through direct interaction.
Shawn Ulreich, DSc, MSN, RN. Chief Nursing Executive and Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations at Corewell Health in West Michigan (Grand Rapids). Lauded for her transformational leadership and ability to create strong environments for nursing practice and innovation, Ms. Ulreich is responsible for nursing and clinical operations across Corewell Health hospitals in West Michigan. Over the past 20 years at Corewell Health, she has implemented many transformational programs, including the Corewell Health nurse wellness grants, the Grand Valley State University and Corewell Health nurse scholar grants and more.
Summer Urbanczyk, MSN, RN. CNO of Advanced Pain Care (Austin, Texas). Ms. Urbanczyk serves as the CNO at Advanced Pain Care, where she oversees three ambulatory surgery centers and the neuromodulation department. With over a decade of experience in healthcare, she began her tenure at Advanced Pain Care as a nurse practitioner in the interventional pain management division before transitioning into administration, where she manages over 100 staff members. Her role encompasses daily clinical operations, quality improvement, staff training and strategic planning. Ms. Urbanczyk has been instrumental in the growth of the surgery centers, particularly in pioneering outpatient spinal cord stimulation procedures. She prioritizes professional development by offering ongoing education and mentorship to her nursing staff, resulting in significantly enhanced patient outcomes.
Hollie Vaughan, RN. CNO for Lehigh Regional Medical Center (Lehigh Acres, Fla.) and Region VI CNO for Prime Healthcare (Ontario, Calif.). Ms. Vaughan serves as the CNO for Prime Healthcare's region VI, overseeing hospitals in Florida, Indiana, and Ohio from her base at Lehigh Regional Medical Center. With over 20 years of nursing experience, including more than a decade in CNO roles, Ms. Vaughan's leadership focuses on establishing standards and fostering strong nursing leadership. She has achieved significant milestones throughout her career, such as helping a hospital earn American College of Cardiology chest pain accreditation and developing a centralized cardiac monitoring department. Additionally, Ms. Vaughan has successfully reduced nursing turnover, implemented a new EHR system and improved patient satisfaction scores.
Barbara Vazquez, DNP, RN. CNO of Christus Children’s Hospital (San Antonio, Texas). As CNO for Christus Children’s Hospital, Dr. Vazquez oversees nursing, patient care services and more than 800 nurses. She leads the charge in convening problem-solving and policy-forming conferences, which ultimately shape the trajectory of the hospital's nursing services. Under her leadership, all quality metrics for nursing have improved, including reduced hospital acquired infections, surgical site infections and unplanned extubations.
Heather Veltre, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO for Overlook Medical Center (Summit, N.J.). Dr. Veltre oversees the management of nursing professional practice, education and clinical services. Since joining the hospital in 2024, she has implemented nurse-driven protocols and created a two-year road map to support new nurses transitioning into practice. Dr. Veltre has also played a key role in operational enhancements across emergency, maternity, neurological and medical-surgical services.
Elizabeth Vieito-Smith, DNP, RN. CNO of University of Miami Health System. As CNO, Dr. Vieito-Smith develops and directs the overall nursing activities for University of Miami Health System, which includes overseeing, coordinating and evaluating nursing services to ensure quality and continuous improvement. She set industry-leading low staffing ratios to promote nursing satisfaction and optimal patient outcomes. She also crafted and implemented an admission, discharge and transfer nursing role, making the system one of the first in the U.S. to create a specific role to address patient throughput. She is also the associate dean of academic health centers integration for the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies. Dr. Smith brings more than 40 years of nursing career experience to her role.
Gail Vozella, DNP, RN. Chief Nursing Executive of Houston Methodist. Ms. Vozella serves as the chief nursing executive for Houston Methodist, bringing 38 years of healthcare experience. She has launched transformative initiatives like the nursing science fellowship program, implemented nursing workload innovation projects, and led key strategic programs in patient care and nursing education. She aims to ensure the nursing workforce is ready for the future, including the creation of an optimal work environment to provide exceptional patient care. Part of that vision is to improve the transition to practice for new graduate nurses.
Kasandra Wald. CNO for Linton (N.D.) Regional Medical Center. Ms. Wald serves as the CNO at Linton Regional Medical Center, overseeing key departments including med-surgical, the emergency department, trauma, surgery and outpatient services. Since taking on this role, she has focused on enhancing hospital operations and fostering innovation within the nursing department. Her leadership has been pivotal in the successful implementation of significant programs, including the hospital's trauma program. Additionally, she played a crucial role in the transition to the new EHR system, Epic, which aims to improve patient care and streamline hospital operations.
Ginell Walker-Way, BSN, RN. CNO of Chilton Medical Center (Pompton Plains, N.J.). Ms. Walker-Way oversees the daily operations of Chilton Medical Center, managing key areas such as nursing, case management and emergency services. A dedicated advocate for patient care and nursing excellence, she emphasizes recruitment and retention efforts while fostering collaboration among physicians and hospital leaders within the Atlantic Health System. Ms. Walker-Way began her career at Atlantic Health in 1995 as a staff nurse in the cath lab and has since held various leadership roles, including director of nursing at Hackettstown Medical Center. Her extensive clinical leadership background encompasses cardiology, critical care, outpatient and surgical services. Throughout her tenure, she has led initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety and experience, while also championing employee engagement and professional development. Active in several professional organizations, Ms. Walker-Way is also a board-certified nurse executive and serves on the board of directors for the Northern New Jersey chapter of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
Eric Wallis, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President of Patient Care and System CNO at Henry Ford Health (Detroit). Dr. Wallis is responsible for advancing innovative care models, professional development, education, and engagement for Henry Ford Health's systemwide nursing community of 6,500 nurses and more than 10,000 patient care team members. He partnered with Michigan State University to develop a new model of clinical faculty roles for Henry Ford nurses to increase clinical placements and nursing program enrollment. He developed the first staffing office for the system and is responsible for launching the first system virtual ICU in Michigan. His efforts thus far have decreased first year RN turnover as well as overall turnover. In addition to his duties at the system, Dr. Wallis is the adjunct dean for nursing practice at Michigan State University.
Jackie Ward, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and System Chief Nurse Executive for Texas Children's Hospital (Houston). As the system chief nurse executive of Texas Children's Hospital, Dr. Ward oversees more than 4,000 nurses, ensuring high-quality clinical care and exceptional customer service. She plays a crucial role in developing patient care standards, policies and competency-based education. Dr. Ward actively engages with the hospital's governing body and clinical leaders to implement strategic plans that enhance patient care and improve nursing practices in line with current research and national standards. She initiated monthly meetings with frontline nursing staff to strengthen connections and address concerns, resulting in improved trust and engagement within the nursing leadership. Additionally, Dr. Ward led the organization to achieve its fifth consecutive Magnet certification. Beyond her hospital duties, she is committed to community service and mentoring, serving as chapter president for Jack and Jill of America and on the boards of local foundations. She also advocates for nursing retention strategies on a national platform.
Anne Marie Watkins, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive for UCI Health (Orange, Calif.). Dr. Watkins oversees patient care across six hospitals and numerous ambulatory sites. She led the integration of community network hospitals into UCI Health, focusing on standardizing clinical practices and optimizing resource allocation. Her work also includes securing a grant for an RN externship program in partnership with the UC Irvine Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing. Under her leadership, UCI Health achieved its fifth Magnet designation, as well as numerous quality and safety awards, including the Leapfrog Group's "Top Hospital" recognition and high rankings from Vizient.
Donna Watridge, BSN, RN. CNO for Hackettstown (N.J.) Medical Center and Newton (N.J.) Medical Center. Ms. Watridge serves as the chief nursing and operations officer for Atlantic Health System’s Hackettstown and Newton medical centers, overseeing daily operations including nursing, case management and patient experience. Leveraging her strong leadership and communication skills, she ensures both hospitals deliver high-quality care while supporting their nursing teams. Ms. Watridge has launched several new initiatives, such as sports cardiology and heart valve programs, and has successfully opened a hybrid operating room suite to enhance procedural capabilities. She has also driven an advanced Magnet journey for both facilities, establishing a Pathways Steering Committee and implementing peer reviews. Under her leadership, both hospitals have received multiple patient safety and quality awards. Additionally, she has fostered partnerships with local universities to provide clinical training for nursing students.
Michelle Watson, MSN, RN. Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations for Lifepoint Health (Brentwood, Tenn.). Ms. Watson serves as the chief nurse executive for Lifepoint Health, overseeing nursing operations across acute, rehabilitation and behavioral health services. In her role, she manages regulatory compliance, virtual care models, patient experience and clinical operations improvements, while simultaneously advocating for quality and patient safety initiatives. Since joining Lifepoint in 2010, she has led the launch of an evidence-based RN residency program in 2023, which has significantly enhanced recruitment and retention of nursing staff, resulting in an 8.5% increase in employed bedside nurses and a 36% reduction in contract labor costs. Under her leadership, the turnover rate for first-year RNs dropped from 8.7% to 2.1% within a year. Ms. Watson also played a pivotal role in the implementation of Lifepoint's REACH strategy, aimed at fostering the ongoing education and growth of the nursing workforce, which has served as a model for other healthcare systems. Additionally, she oversees Lifepoint's national quality program, which has led to seven hospitals being designated as national quality leaders and significant reductions in hospital-acquired infections. Through her leadership, Lifepoint Health has implemented evidence-based practices that have markedly improved patient safety, quality of care and workforce development.
Tammy Webb, PhD, RN. Chief Nurse Executive for Children's Health (Dallas). Dr. Webb leads a diverse nursing team at Children's Health, focused on delivering high-quality, compassionate care. Under her leadership, the organization achieved its fourth consecutive Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2023. Dr. Webb has driven various strategic initiatives to enhance patient care, including expedited antibiotic protocols for vulnerable patients and minimal stimulation guidelines for children with brain injuries. Her work is highlighted in the annual nursing report, which showcases innovative nursing practices and reinforces Children's Health's position as a leader in pediatric nursing.
Cynthia Whitaker, MSN, RN. CNO and Vice President of Operations for Guthrie Corning (N.Y.) Hospital. Ms. Whitaker serves as vice president of operations and CNO at the 65-bed Guthrie Corning Hospital, overseeing both clinical and operational management for the hospital, an ambulatory surgery center and outpatient rehabilitation facility. Her primary responsibilities include developing strategic plans to enhance healthcare services, maintaining high standards of patient care, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. She has successfully implemented new case management processes that reduce patient length of stay and has driven initiatives for staff recruitment and retention, significantly lowering hospital vacancies. Notably, Ms. Whitaker introduced virtual nursing in the ICU and medical-surgical areas. She fosters a collaborative work environment by implementing a shared governance structure that empowers staff, leading to a highly engaged workforce. Under her leadership, the hospital has sustained low hospital-acquired infection rates and achieved several accolades, including Money-The Leapfrog Group's 2022 "Best Maternity Hospitals".
Maureen White, RN. Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive for Northwell Health (New Hyde Park N.Y.). Ms. White leads the development and implementation of nursing policies and protocols at Northwell Health. Along with acting as executive vice president and chief nursing executive for the system, she is the director of the organization's Institute for Nursing. There, she aims to integrate education, research and practice. Faced with the increasing demand for nursing, she is actively working to address the nursing shortage by advancing technology and recruitment strategies. Under her leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, Northwell's nursing turnover rate was significantly lower than the national average, reported at 11.3% compared to 18.4%, and the nursing vacancy rate stood at 6.2% against a national rate of 15.7%. Ms. White’s initiatives have fostered a supportive environment for nurses, helping to maintain a turnover rate of just 8% annually prior to the pandemic. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she was inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 2012.
Lori Wiegand, DNP, RN. CNO at OSF HealthCare (Peoria, Ill.). Dr. Wiegand was named CNO for OSF HealthCare Ministry in 2013. Her responsibilities include strategically advancing clinical care to lead nursing, advance practice and pharmacy for 16 hospitals. Additionally, she is responsible for advancing key educational strategies for OSF Corporate University and OSF College of Health Sciences. As part of an integrated leadership team, she has a pivotal role in leading priorities within the OSF clinical excellence plan, including nursing quality and safety strategies, Magnet designations, nursing research, and various prevention and management programs that address areas such as workplace violence. She facilitates the OSF HealthCare chief nurse executive council, which focuses on operational excellence approaches such as precision staffing. These approaches have resulted in improved quality, increased staff commitment and the achievement of financial targets. Other initiatives help recruit, retain and recognize nurses under the nursing engagement plan, clinical education and the clinical excellence 5-star plan. Her work has contributed to OSF being named a "2024 Best-in-State Employer" by Forbes for six years straight.
Ena Williams, PhD, RN. Senior Vice President and CNO for Yale New Haven (Conn.) Hospital. As CNO at Yale New Haven Hospital, Dr. Williams oversees all nursing practices, directly managing departments such as surgical, musculoskeletal and neuroscience, while emphasizing safety, quality and patient experience. In 2022, she was appointed to the board of directors of the Joint Commission, the oldest and largest healthcare standards-setting body in the U.S. Additionally, she serves on the board of trustees of the American Nurses Foundation, where she focuses on advancing nursing practice and addressing the challenges faced by nurses. Leading a team of over 5,000 nurses and clinical staff, Dr. Williams successfully guided the hospital through the first nurse residency accreditation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in the state. Her leadership was pivotal during the Covid-19 pandemic and contributed to the hospital's third Magnet designation.
Amy Wilson, DNP, RN. Chief Nurse Executive for SSM Health (St. Louis). Dr. Wilson oversees nursing and clinical services across SSM Health, focusing on value-based, patient-centered care. She led the implementation of an evidence-based nursing documentation initiative to reduce redundancy and enhance efficiency. Dr. Wilson also developed an innovative nursing workforce management plan that includes flexible workforce options, international nurses and a nursing externship program. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Dr. Wilson is also a published thought leader, specializing in complex healthcare leadership.
Christopher Wilson, MSN, RN. CNO for NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan (East Harlem). Mr. Wilson oversees nursing and patient care services, which includes departments such as respiratory care, laboratory and behavioral health. Under his leadership, the organization has excelled in key areas including recruitment, retention and patient satisfaction, achieving a single-digit vacancy rate and reducing turnover to less than 9%. His departments have maintained zero rates for catheter-associated urinary tract infections and central line-associated bloodstream infections in their NICU for multiple years. Additionally, Mr. Wilson's leadership has brought about an 80% reduction in hospital-acquired pressure injuries and a notable decrease in the use of restraints. He also served as immediate past vice president of the Philadelphia-based Mazzoni Center and governance chair at the same organization.
Heidi Wolf, MSN, RN. CNO at DeTar Healthcare System (Victoria, Texas). Ms. Wolf has been in executive nurse leadership for 20 years, and with DeTar Healthcare System for five of those years. She oversees nursing practice, operations, clinical integration and a team of nurses at DeTar Hospital Navarro and DeTar Hospital North. She also leads patient experience and capacity optimization initiatives. In the past 12 months Ms. Wolf has introduced a new nurse graduate program with an enhanced focus on ICU nursing, which has resulted in 11 new grad ICU nurses. She has also focused on filling vacant nursing positions and improving nurse retention rates to 94%. Ms. Wolf also serves on the Hope of South Texas Child Advocacy Center board of directors.
Kristin Wolkart, RN. Executive Vice President and CNO for Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (Baton Rouge, La.). In her role, Ms. Wolkart emphasizes best practices in nursing care, focusing on the recruitment and retention of skilled nursing staff while setting high standards for nursing teams across the organization. She began her career with Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System as chief nursing informatics officer in 2007, where she improved EHRs and led numerous special projects. In 2014, she advanced to COO at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, La., before being named CEO later that year. In May 2022, she took on her current position, and from June to November 2023, she also served as interim market president for the Jackson, Miss. market, where she implemented a successful turnaround plan that met budget targets. Ms. Wolkart is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Laura J. Wood, DNP, RN. System CNO and Executive Vice President of Patient Care Operations at Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Wood leads nursing and patient care operations at Boston Children's Hospital. Over the past decade, her initiatives have led to a 46.5% reduction in serious preventable harm, a 200% outperformance of the RN engagement national excellence mean for fundamentals of quality nursing care, and a doubling of the racial and ethnic diversity in the nursing workforce. She is an RWJ Foundation Executive Nurse fellow alumna and American Academy of Nursing fellow. She provides national advocacy for nursing research funding, scholarship and professional practice environments through board service to Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research, SIGMA Foundation and American Nurses' Credentialing Center, including ANCC President for 2024-2025.
Angela Wright. CNO and Senior Director at Banner Health–University Medicine Tucson (Ariz.). Ms. Wright is the chief nurse executive for Banner's Tucson market, which oversees two academic medical centers and more than 20 outpatient clinics. She is a key nursing influencer across the entire Banner system. During the Covid-19 pandemic, she worked to ensure that Banner maintained the highest standard of patient care by providing social, emotional, educational and developmental support to the nursing team. During her time in the role, she has engaged with nursing teams, built leadership teams and established opportunities to enhance and expand the nursing profession. Under her leadership, Banner's nursing turnover was reduced from 41% to 11%. She has also reinforced nursing shared leadership, with over 80% of nursing units or departments implementing unit-based councils. Councils ensure that bedside nurses are represented in the development of new protocols and best practices. She has also helped to establish staffing pipelines through partnerships with local universities to ensure a sustainable supply of nurses.
Phyllis Yezzo, DNP, RN. Executive Vice President and CNO for WMCHealth Network (Valhalla, N.Y.). Dr. Yezzo was appointed executive vice president and CNO of Westchester Medical Center Health Network in 2022, expanding her role to oversee nursing operations across all WMCHealth hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and provider practices. With over 48 years of experience, she is responsible for maintaining high nursing standards across the network’s nine hospitals, where nurses represent the largest workforce segment. In 2022, Dr. Yezzo played a key role in negotiating three nursing union contracts, securing a 27% pay increase over five years and preserving benefits for more than 1,500 nurses. She also collaborates with New York Medical College and 20 other institutions to train nursing students. Beyond her work at WMCHealth, Dr. Yezzo holds leadership roles in several professional organizations and serves as an adjunct professor at Touro College.
Kathi Zarubi, DNP, RN. Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive for HonorHealth (Scottsdale, Ariz.). Dr. Zarubi, chief nursing executive at HonorHealth, leads strategic nursing operations across six hospitals and numerous outpatient clinics, overseeing more than 3,000 nurses. With over 40 years of nursing experience, Dr. Zarubi focuses on empowering nursing teams to strive for professional excellence and improve patient outcomes through collaboration and human connection. Her leadership emphasizes nurse retention, job satisfaction and quality care. Under her guidance, all five eligible HonorHealth hospitals have achieved Magnet designation for nursing excellence. Dr. Zarubi also supports innovative initiatives, such as the implementation of a virtual nurse pilot, which improved both patient satisfaction and employee engagement. She is dedicated to fostering nurse-led decision-making, ensuring that nurses have a voice in improving quality, safety and the overall patient experience.