Visionary nursing leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare. This article delves into the profiles of 25+ influential leaders, each contributing unique expertise to elevate patient care and drive organizational success.
From Senior VPs to Chief Nursing Officers, here are the nursing leaders you should be following on LinkedIn, in alphabetical order.
Vi-Anne Antrum, RN, FACHE, System-Wide Chief Nursing Officer at Cone Health
Vi-Anne Antrum, Chief Nursing Officer at Cone Health, moved into the role in 2022. Antrum is responsible for leading a team of nearly 5,000, setting the standards for nursing practice, and continuously improving the quality and safety of patient care.
Antrum joined Cone Health in 2019 as Associate Chief Nurse Executive. She has been at the forefront of efforts to retain, recruit, and inspire nurses across the organization.
Antrum earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Daemen College in Amherst, New York. She received her master’s degree in business administration and nursing from the University of Phoenix. After completing Harvard University’s managing health care delivery executive education program, she received a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, New Jersey.
Antrum serves as a Regent in the American College of Healthcare Executives, where she is a Fellow. She received the organization’s Distinguished Service Award in 2016.
Antrum serves on the System Chief Nurse Executive Committee of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. She is a member of the North Carolina Healthcare Association Workforce Advisory Council. Antrum was named to the Triad Business Journal’s 2023 class of Outstanding Women in Business. She is a 2022 Triad Nurse of Distinction and was an NC Great 100 Nurse in 2021.
Dr. Robyn Begley, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, CNO at AtlantiCare
Dr. Robyn Begley, CNO at AtlantiCare, leads nursing care across AtlantiCare Regional Health Services. With extensive experience and as an AONE Board Member Region II Candidate, she champions healthcare transformation. Robyn prioritizes seamless care transitions, addressing the needs of aging populations and advancing population health competencies. Committed to transparency and nursing development, she actively engages and mentors healthcare professionals to shape the future of nursing.
Patronella (Pat) Blue, MSN, Corporate Critical Care Service Line Director at Cape Fear Valley Health
Pat Blue serves as Corporate Critical Care Service Line Director at Cape Fear Valley Health, where she provides leadership to nine units with over 170 beds. Pat is an accomplished Nurse Executive with progressive career accomplishments based on a strong clinical foundation, perceptive business analysis, and effectiveness in leading change.
Pat is a Servant Leader whose outcomes have included maintaining or improving quality while reducing cost and length of stay. Pat is a creative solutions-driven leader who fosters an innovative environment for new nurse leaders to flourish. She’s passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation of nurses and has expertise in building and leading teams that have a strong drive to achieve.
Courtnay Caufield, DNP, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital
Courtnay Caufield, Chief Nursing Officer at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital, is an experienced nursing executive with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. She was a fellow at the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. As CNO, she enhances professional development for nurses, supports staff transitions, and streamlines onboarding while fostering an innovative nursing culture.
Dr. Nick Escobedo, DNP, RN, OCN, NE-BC, Associate Chief of Nursing at Houston Methodist
Dr. Nick Escobedo, Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Houston Methodist Hospital, is an experienced nurse leader with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Board certified as an Oncology Nurse (OCN) and Nurse Executive (NE-BC), he is also a board member at the American Organization for Nursing Leadership. Escobedo focuses on developing new nursing leaders and driving operational success.
Angelina Fakhoury Siverts, Vice President Patient Care Services/CNO at City of Hope
Angelina Fakhoury Siverts, Vice President Patient Care Services/CNO at City of Hope, leads nursing functions at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (part of City of Hope) in Chicago, empowering her teams to excel. She has an MSN, RN, and honed her leadership skills at Advocate Condell Medical Center and Loyola Gottlieb Memorial Hospital.
Lisa Gardner MBA, BSN, BA, CNML, Chief Nursing Officer at Resolute Baptist Hospital
Lisa Gardner, Chief Nursing Officer at Resolute Baptist Hospital, is a seasoned healthcare executive adept in nursing operations, emergency management, and budgeting. With a background in business administration and healthcare management, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Lisa is committed to ensuring high-quality patient care and driving strategic initiatives for hospital excellence.
Simmy King, DNP, MBA, FAAN, Chief Nursing Informatics & Education Officer at Children’s National Hospital
Simmy King, Chief Nursing Informatics & Education Officer at Children’s National Hospital, has been instrumental in shaping the nursing workforce at her organization. She fosters new nurses’ learning and career advancement. Simmy relies on her “personal board of directors” — colleagues and managers who’ve guided her in her career — for guidance, paying it forward by mentoring new nurses. Her dedication ensures a skilled and empowered nursing team at Children’s National.
Jacqueline (Jacci) Harden Jacobs, MHA, MBA, RN, NE-BC, Vice President & Interim Chief Nurse Officer at UNC Medical Center
Jacci Jacobs, Vice President & Interim Chief Nurse Officer at UNC Medical Center, has been with UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill, NC, since 1998. Since she joined the organization, Jacci has worked in many roles from staff nurse in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit to her current role as interim CNO.
She was named an “NC Great 100 Nurse” in 2016. Outside of her professional development, she has also completed several educational milestones. Jacci received her BSN from Bowling Green State University, Master of Healthcare Administration from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Master of Business Administration from Campbell University, and is currently working on her Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Kiersten LeBar DNP, MMHC, CPNP-AC, Associate Chief Nursing Officer at the Medical University of South Carolina
Kiersten LeBar, Associate Chief Nursing Officer at the Medical University of South Carolina, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role. With a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Duke University and a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management, she is dedicated to advancing nursing excellence and patient care.
Jenifer Markowitz, Forensic Nursing Consultant and Editor at Forensic Healthcare Online
Jenifer Markowitz, Forensic Nursing Consultant and Editor at Forensic Healthcare Online, bridges the gap between healthcare and the law. Passionate since college about aiding women in crisis, she now specializes in forensic nursing, offering expertise in teaching, writing, and expert consultations. Jenifer enhances legal processes by optimizing medical evidence usage and empowers clinicians to deliver patient-centered care effectively. She’s a frequent traveler, aiding diverse communities with her invaluable insights and testimony.
Claire Montgomery Zangerle, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, FAAN, Principal Consultant at CMZ Strategies
Claire Montgomery Zangerle, Principal Consultant at CMZ Strategies, is a seasoned nurse executive with a background in healthcare leadership. With previous roles at Allegheny Health Network, The Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio, and the Cleveland Clinic, Claire is deeply engaged in shaping nursing practices and policies. Recognized as a Top 25 Women Leader by Modern Healthcare, she continues to make significant contributions to nursing management and administration.
Tina Mammone, PhD, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, Chief Nurse Executive at VCU Health
Tina Mammone, Chief Nurse Executive at VCU Health, brings transformative leadership honed through roles at prestigious medical centers nationwide. Recognized for fostering nursing engagement and retention, she champions a culture of safety and quality. With a distinguished career spanning from bedside to executive leadership, Tina embodies healthcare excellence.
Dr. Christi Nguyen, DNP, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, CENP, AVP, Associate Chief Nursing Officer of Nursing Excellence at UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dr. Christi Nguyen, Associate Chief Nursing Officer of Nursing Excellence at UT Southwestern Medical Center, is a well-known nursing influencer. A Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, she guides nursing administration online courses and advises DNP students. Dr. Nguyen earned her Doctorate in Nursing Administration from Texas Christian University and holds MSN, MHA, and BSN degrees from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Joy Parchment, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, CPDC, Assistant Professor of Nursing at University of Central Florida
Dr. Joy Parchment is an innovative Executive Nurse Leader and Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Central Florida. Renowned for her ability to build nurse leaders and execute nursing strategies, she is a catalyst for change and a champion of inclusive practice cultures. Dr. Parchment specializes in executive nurse leadership coaching, strategic planning, and fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments in healthcare.
Leah Ramos, DNP, RN, CCRN-K, NE-BC, Associate Chief Nursing Officer at MUSC Health
Leah Ramos, Associate Chief Nursing Officer at MUSC Health, has 30+ years of nursing experience. She oversees strategic planning, operations, and quality of nursing services for the organization. Leah is also the Chapter President of the Philippines Nurses Association – South Carolina Chapter, advocating for Filipino nurses’ professional development. Holding nationally recognized certifications, she contributes to clinical research, patient safety, and quality improvement, aiming to enhance nursing and community health outcomes. Passionate about fostering excellence and collaboration, Leah drives innovation at MUSC Health.
Rosanne Raso, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, FAONL, Editor-In-Chief at Wolters Kluwer Health
Rosanne Raso, Editor-In-Chief at Wolters Kluwer Health, brings extensive expertise in nursing leadership and healthcare. With a proven track record in the industry, she excels in media, communication, and organizational leadership. As an Editor-In-Chief and talented organizational leader, Rosanne is a thought leader known for her prolific writing and strategic insights.
Robert Rose, Market Chief Nurse Executive at Atrium Health
Robert Rose, Market Chief Nurse Executive at Atrium Health, leads nursing across Atrium Health Carolina’s Medical Center, Levine Children’s Hospital, Mercy Hospital, and LCI. He oversees over 3,500 nurses within multiple Magnet Hospitals and a vast ambulatory platform. Robert is highly engaged in professional organizations, serving as AHA Committee Clinical Leadership Chair and on various committees for AONE. With skills in nursing administration, critical care, and cardiac services, he drives excellence in patient care and strategic planning.
Veronica Scott-Fulton, DNP, MPH, MBA, BSN, BA, NEA-BC, System Chief Nurse Executive at Bon Secours Mercy Health
Veronica Scott-Fulton is the System Chief Nurse Executive at Bon Secours Mercy Health. With a distinguished career spanning leadership roles in healthcare, she excels in Lean leadership, strategic planning, and innovation. At Bon Secours Mercy Health, she oversees the nursing strategy for nearly 22,000 nurses, ensuring the highest standards of professional practice and quality outcomes. Veronica holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice and Executive MBA, complementing her extensive public health education.
Michelle Spurlock, System Chief Nursing Officer at Acadia Healthcare
Michelle Spurlock, System Chief Nursing Officer at Acadia Healthcare, is dedicated to enhancing access to quality behavioral healthcare nationwide. With a passion for developing nursing leaders, she identifies talent and fosters their growth. Michelle’s expertise spans nursing, regulatory compliance, and leadership development. Her commitment to excellence strengthens Acadia Healthcare’s mission to provide compassionate care to those in need.
Monica Treinish MSN, RN, Vice President Operations at Mount Carmel Health System
Monica Treinish, Vice President Operations at Mount Carmel Health System, is an accomplished leader in healthcare operations. With over 30 years of experience and a background as a nurse and Director of Patient Services, she excels in emergency medicine, physician relations, and servant leadership. Monica has expertise in Pediatric and Advanced Cardiac Life Support, bolstered by her Master’s of Science in Registered Nursing from Western Governors University. She’s a vital leader for Mount Carmel Health System, driving excellence in patient care.
Sylvain Trepanier, DNP, RN, CENP, FAONL, FAAN, SVP, System Chief Nursing Officer at Providence
Sylvain Trepanier, SVP, System Chief Nursing Officer at Providence, sets clinical strategy for one of the largest health systems nationwide. Recognized for his executive leadership and nursing expertise, he champions workforce development and clinical excellence. With a doctorate in nursing and a passion for advancing nursing practice, Sylvain’s impact resonates across Providence’s seven-state footprint, ensuring compassionate care for communities and fostering a talent pipeline of specialized clinicians.
Courtney (Barilar) Vose, DNP, MBA, RN, APRN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Courtney (Barilar) Vose is Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. A nursing expert with over two decades of executive leadership experience, she oversees more than 2,200 RNs and ancillary staff across inpatient, ambulatory, and procedural settings. Recognized for crisis management and team building, Courtney fosters innovation and mentorship, ensuring exceptional patient-centered care at one of New Jersey’s premier academic medical centers.
Ena Williams, PhD, MBA, RN, CENP, FAAN, Senior Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer at Yale New Haven Hospital
Ena Williams, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Yale New Haven Hospital (YNHH), has a rich background in leadership. Ena leads clinical and operational teams across the YNHH health system, enabling the organization to excel at patient care. Recognized for her trailblazing leadership, she serves on numerous boards and is active in her community.
Christopher Wilson, MSN, RN, CNML, CENP, NEA-BC, FACHE, Chief Nursing Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan
Christopher Wilson, Chief Nursing Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, has over a decade of nursing and hospital leadership experience. He has expertise in emergency, critical care, and medical-surgical nursing. Christopher has held various executive roles and served as an Adjunct Professor for nursing programs. He maintains three board certifications, including NEA-BC and FACHE, and is dedicated to advancing nursing practice through education and leadership.
Deb Zimmermann, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer at The DAISY Foundation
Deb Zimmermann, Chief Executive Officer at The DAISY Foundation, has extensive leadership experience in nursing and executive positions, including serving as the Chief Nursing Officer at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System. Deb has a wealth of knowledge, enabling her to lead DAISY into the future. As President-Elect of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, she champions health equity and meaningful recognition for nurses.
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