President and Chief Operating Officer, United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC), Unity Hospital
With the organization since: 2012.
In current position since: Unity Hospital, November 2023; UMMC, June 2025.
Education: Master of Business Administration, University of Rochester Simon Business School; Bachelor of Science in nursing, SUNY Brockport.
Career Highlights: “Has dedicated her career to strengthening community hospitals and supporting teams who deliver care close to home. Joined the UMMC team in 2025 and has seen firsthand the deep connection between the hospital and the community it serves. Has helped bring forward programs that make a meaningful impact on patients and families. Partnered with colleagues to design and open the region’s only COVID-dedicated nursing home, which played a key role in decompressing local hospitals during the pandemic. Also supported the launch of the region’s first Behavioral Health Urgent Care and New York state’s first psychiatric emergency tele-psychiatry program. Helped lead the expansion of ElderONE, Rochester Regional Health’s PACE program, into Wayne and Ontario counties. This work included opening three new centers that allow older adults to remain safely in their homes and communities—a mission she finds especially important.
Current Affiliations: Board member, Common Ground Health (chairwoman of RRHIO Data Committee); board member, Healthcare Association of Western New York; Brockport Foundation Board, Hillside Finance Committee.
What skills make you an effective leader? “I lead with approachability and authenticity. I work hard to build strong, trusting relationships and create clear structures that support teamwork and execution. I also focus on breaking down complex issues into practical, understandable steps so teams can align and move forward together.”
How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach? “I believe leadership starts with being real, authentic, approachable and clear about expectations. Trust comes from honest communication and showing up consistently. Above all, leadership is about lifting others, developing people, strengthening culture, and building teams that feel valued, respected and connected to the community we serve.”
How do you personally demonstrate leadership and inspire your staff? “I try to be clear, direct and dependable. I’m visible and transparent, and I follow through on my commitments. People know they can count on me. I also stay engaged and take time to listen to others. I seek people out because good leadership begins with genuine connection.”
What are your top three priorities for your organization this year? “My top priorities are strengthening patient safety and the overall patient experience, continuing to build a positive culture that supports and engages our team members and ensuring strong financial stewardship. Together, these three areas create the foundation for delivering high-quality care, supporting our workforce and maintaining the long-term stability our communities depend on.”
How can the healthcare industry in the region be improved? “Healthcare would benefit from more flexibility to test new ideas, especially those that improve patient safety, strengthen care coordination, and enhance the overall patient experience.”
What is one thing about you that people generally don’t know?“One thing people may not know is that I’m the daughter of a nurse. My mom graduated from the Isabella Graham Hart School of Nursing in 1969, and her example is a big part of why I became a nurse myself.”