Lori Harris, DNP, MSN, RN, PMH-BC, has been named Chief Nursing Officer of Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital, effective Sept. 1.
Over the past four months, Harris has led VPH as interim CNO with a clear sense of direction by bringing together clinicians, staff and community partners around a shared vision for exceptional behavioral health care. Her ability to earn trust across disciplines and keep patients at the center of every decision has distinguished her as a respected leader within the organization and beyond.
As CNO, Harris will be the senior nursing leader at VPH, overseeing nursing operations and helping shape the hospital’s strategic direction. She will work closely with physician, operational and nurse leaders to advance excellence in patient care, support the continued growth of VPH and create an environment where teams can thrive. Her appointment reflects the critical role nursing leadership plays in the future of behavioral health care and the confidence Vanderbilt Health places in her leadership.
Harris holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Cumberland University. She is board certified in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing and maintains an active membership in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
A member of the Vanderbilt Health team since 1995, Harris brings more than 31 years of health care experience to this position. Throughout her career at VPH, she has played a key role in expanding patient services, enhancing quality and safety outcomes and developing high-performing teams. Most recently, she served as Manager of Patient Care Services where she was known for her thoughtful leadership, deep operational knowledge and ability to bring people together in service of a common purpose.