Following an extensive national search, Karen Keady, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive with the University of Rochester Medical Center, has been named System Chief Nursing Officer for Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC). Keady will join VUMC on July 1.
Keady succeeds VUMC’s Executive Chief Nursing Officer, Marilyn Dubree, MSN, RN, who is retiring from her responsibilities as Executive Chief Nursing Officer but will remain with VUMC in a part-time role.
Keady will report to C. Wright Pinson, MBA, MD, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Health System Officer, and will be responsible for overseeing all nursing operations for the Vanderbilt Health system.
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Keady to VUMC to serve in this critical role. Karen joins us with an outstanding reputation of advocacy for the nurses she served at the University of Rochester,” said Pinson. “The contributions of our incredible, caring nurses are beyond measure. It was vital to select the right individual to succeed Marilyn. I want to express my gratitude to the members of the search committee for their wisdom and outstanding work to identify Dr. Keady.”
Jenny Slayton, DNP, RN, Senior Vice President for Quality, Safety and Risk Prevention, led the search committee who identified Keady from a number of distinguished candidates.
“Karen is an energetic, passionate leader committed to nursing and the continued advancement of Vanderbilt Health. She has exceptional experience in leading nursing in the academic and community setting. She uses innovative approaches to nursing and partnering with physicians and care teams across the patient continuum and in the community,” said Slayton.
Other members of the search committee include Megan Cockrum, RN, Jon Howell, RN, LaSheryl Brown, BSN, RN, Marilyn Smith, DNP, MSN. RN, Deonna Taylor, PhD, MSN, Laura Beth Brown, MSN, RN, Ronald Alvarez, MD, MBA, Donald Brady, MD, Cecelia Theobald, MD, MPH, Pamela Jeffries, PhD, RN, and Margaret Rush, MD, MMHC.
Keady is joining VUMC after six years as the University of Rochester Medical Center’s (URMC) nursing leader. At URMC, Keady led initiatives to redesign nursing care delivery models and wellness and resiliency programs. She also implemented creative incentive plans, as well as new nursing education and professional development opportunities. URMC’s Strong Memorial Hospital was just awarded its fifth consecutive Magnet designation.
“The search committee reviewed a variety of strong candidates for the position of System Chief Nursing Officer. Dr. Keady stood out as a leader with experience and knowledge that will help VUMC grow as it addresses the opportunities and challenges of today’s health care environment,” said Pamela R. Jeffries, PhD, RN, FAAN, ANEF, FSSH, Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, who served on the search committee. “Her experience in the academic medical setting, collaborative style and support for nurses make her a great partner for the School of Nursing. I look forward to working with her on a variety of initiatives.”
Keady spent the majority of her career at Johns Hopkins University where she steadily advanced through the health system from her first role as a clinical nurse in the Neuroscience Critical Care Unit. After a series of successive promotions Keady was serving as Vice President of Nursing and Chief Nursing Officer for Johns Hopkins’ Howard County General Hospital before joining URMC.
Keady earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Towson State College of Nursing and later earned a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Vanderbilt team. The organizational commitment to innovation in health care and dedication to providing excellence in nursing care is truly inspiring. The Vanderbilt mission and priorities align perfectly with my own values. The opportunity to be part of a team that is constantly pushing the boundaries of health care while upholding the highest standards is very exciting. I am looking forward to working in such a dynamic environment with great people,” said Keady.