Pathway to Excellence Consulting Services

Jason Koleber

Jason serves as a Vice President, Analyst Outcome at HealthLinx. In this role he partners with the executive teams of hospitals to achieve excellence in clinical and process outcomes. Jason provides partnered consultation, best practice strategies, and customized solutions to help hospitals improve outcomes and the quality of patient care by optimizing their leadership and programs. Jason has the unique opportunity to bring his experience in both analytics and case management in the private sector, and direct patient care in the emergency department and ICU at multiple hospitals to help his clients improve patient care. He excels in leading positive change in healthcare organizations.

Jason brings more than 10 years of experience both in healthcare and nonhealthcare settings. He has deep understanding of Employee Engagement, Service Excellence with a keen understanding of HCAHPS, Process Improvement, Hospital Throughput, Large-scale Project Management, and Positive Change Management. He is an expert in cultivating productive relationships with both decision makers and executive leaders and has a stellar reputation for delivering innovative, sound strategies along with proven tactics for achieving positive results. With excellent business sense and a strong understanding of healthcare, Jason is prepared to deliver positive outcomes.

Education, Training & Certifications

Master of Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Certified Crisis Prevention Intervention instructor

Kathleen Ebert

Kathleen Ebert, MS, BSN, RN-BC, NEA-BC is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Analytic Framework with HealthLinx. She has more than 24 years of professional nursing experience that includes direct care, emergency/trauma care, inpatient acute care, education, professional development, patient experience and director-level positions. Kathleen has served as a Nursing Manager, Clinical Educator, Manager of Nursing Practice, Research and Innovation, System Director of Customer Experience and Magnet Program Director. She has provided oversight for Magnet® at two different organizations. She is board certified in Professional Development and Advanced Nurse Executive through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Kathleen’s Outcomes
• Oversight to system nursing data- submission and dissemination
• Development and implementation of nursing education and orientation
• Lead system fall campaign that drove falls reduction
• System Site Coordinator NDNQI
• Led Emergency Department to exemplary changes that results in case study feature for Experience vendor
• National Quality Conference presenter
• Successful Primary Investigator on RCT that drove system change of practice
• Professional nursing presentations, national publications, and research activities
• Developed strategic partnerships with Healthcare Executives to drive performance outcomes

Career Summary
Kathleen is an experienced nurse leader who has led major nursing initiatives and projects. She is a Master’s-prepared nurse executive who is respected by nursing colleagues and has excellent communication and project management skills. Kathleen has extensive knowledge and experience as a Magnet® Program Director and in clinical/business operations including performance improvement, patient experience, revenue/productivity improvement, cost reduction, executive leadership, throughput/patient flow, and human resources. She is a proven leader with cultivating staff engagement/development, and leading change.

Professional Experience
• Currently Vice President Nursing Excellence, Analyst Framework, HealthLinx, Columbus, Ohio
• Director of Patient Experience, OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio
• Magnet Program Director. OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio
• Coordinator of Professional Practice, Clinical Educator, Nurse Administrator
•Emergency/Trauma Care- Detroit Medical Center/Botsford/Beaumont
Education
• Master of Science in Administration, Mount Carmel College of Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Walsh University

Publications/Research
• Research- Co Principal Investigator- Cooling Effects Post Lumbar Fusion
• Research-team member “The Impact of Nursing Work and Engagement on Patient Falls”- JONA November 2019 V 49 N 11 pp 531-537

Kristin Whitehead

DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC
30 years of healthcare experience in Prehospital-Emergency-Critical Care Services, Inpatient Acute Care, Long-Term Acute Care, Administrative Nursing Services, Magnet®, Baldrige Performance Excellence and executive leadership. Dr. Whitehead is board certified as a Nurse Executive through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, and serves as a Baldrige Performance Excellence Examiner. She holds a Master of Business Administration and a Doctor of Nursing Practice with a focus on Executive Nursing Leadership from Texas Christian University.

Kristin’s Outcomes

• Built strategic alliances with ED, Acute Care and Perioperative teams resulting in 85th percentile patient satisfaction in ED, improved throughput (reduced ED LOS by 20%), and implementation of change management concepts (rapid cycle testing).

• Defined strategy/business plan for Wound Care/Ostomy Services resulting in generation of revenue stream increase of 100% and increased volume by 50%.

• Engaged employees resulting in satisfaction of 90th percentile for 4 consecutive years.

• Achieved ANCC Beacon Award- Gold level in 2015 for performance excellence in the Critical Care Unit (lead writer)

• Implemented sepsis program in collaboration with Joint Commission Centers for Transforming Healthcare (CTH), won “Quality and Innovation Award” in 2014 and realized a 24% reduction in mortality rate equating to 38 lives saved in one year.

• Oversaw nursing quality as the NDNQI Site Coordinator leading to outcomes in CAUTI, CLABSI, HAPU, and falls that outperform the Magnet® mean by more than 50%.

• Led Trauma Program to increase in patient census by 29%.

• Implemented Concussion Program/Clinic that quadrupled initial volume projections.

• Created “DART” (Discharge, Admission, Resource, and Transport) team that has been nationally recognized for best practices around admissions, medication reconciliation, and throughput.

Career Summary
Kristin has extensive knowledge and experience as a Magnet® Program Director and in clinical/business operations including performance improvement, customer satisfaction, revenue/productivity enhancement, cost reduction, executive leadership, throughput/patient flow, and human resources. She is a proven leader with intense focus on building positive physician relationships, cultivating staff engagement, and leading change.

Experience

• Currently: Executive Vice President Performance Excellence, Healthlinx, Columbus, Ohio

• 2015: Chief Nursing Officer, Select Specialty Hospital, Plano, Texas

• 2002-2015: Associate CNO (2013-2015), Director ED/EMS Services/ICU/Trauma/Central Monitoring Unit/Concussion/Clinical Decision Unit/Wound and Ostomy (2010-2015), Director Nursing Administration (2010-2015), Magnet® Program Director (2008-2015), Manager Acute Care Services (2007-2008), Manager Trauma Services/Emergency Services Educator (2002-2007)

• 1997-2002: Emergency Services Charge Nurse

• 1994-1997: Emergency Services Staff Nurse

• 1990-1994: Paramedic

Education

• 2017: Doctor of Nursing Practice, Texas Christian University

• 1997: Masters of Science in Nursing &Masters of Business Administration, University of Phoenix

• 1994: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Texas at Austin

• 1990: Associate of Paramedicine

Professional Affiliations/Appointments/Honors

• 2017: Sigma Theta Tau Member

• 2015: Golden Key International Honor Society, Texas Christian University

• 2014-2015: Magnet® Program content reviewer/subject matter expert for podium/poster submissions

• 2010: Great 100 Nurse, Texas

Publications/Research

• Research Principle Investigator, January 2015: Humpty Dumpty Sat on the Wall: Identifying Why our Low Risk Patients Fall.

• Research Co-investigator, November 2014: Research study of nurses at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano: A Re

• Evaluation of Interruptions and Distractions during Medication Preparation and Administration.

• Research Co-investigator, March 2012: Research study of nurses at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano: Evaluation of Interruptions and Distractions during Medication Preparation and Administration.

• Lead writer/editor for Texas Award for Performance Excellence (2008), Malcolm Baldrige Quality Award (2008), & Magnet® Designation Applications (2010 & 2014)

Michael Eagan

Michael Eagan serves as the Client Insights Systems & Data Manager at HealthLinx. In this role, he strives to align HealthLinx data systems and related processes to produce optimal client data insights. Michael joined HealthLinx as a Data Analyst and continues to work with clients in this role. He is a PMP-certified project manager and has over 12 years of experience in healthcare operations and systems analysis.

Kathryn Peterson

Kathryn is the Client Insights Manager of Strategy and Analytics at HealthLinx. In her role, Kathryn leads HealthLinx’s team of data analysts in utilizing clinical data to identify areas of opportunity and make data-driven recommendations. While at HealthLinx, Kathryn has worked with clients across the country to provide accountability, analysis, and support throughout the data-driven portion of their Magnet journeys. She has also partnered alongside her clinical colleagues to provide analytics for numerous service line and department specific engagements, primarily in emergency services, perioperative services, critical care, and hospital operations.

Kathryn applies her skills from nearly a decade in project management, data analytics, and process improvement to identify effective solutions that allow clients to overcome data-related challenges and obstacles. Kathryn particularly enjoys taking time to understand each client’s individual needs and believes that every hospital is capable of achieving a highly successful, data-driven culture.

In addition to her roles at HealthLinx, Kathryn’s experience in the healthcare setting includes facilitating performance improvement and process engineering projects in a variety of acute care and ambulatory settings, creating management information systems for executives, and providing PI education to clinicians in multiple capacities including at physician retreats and in individual coaching. Kathryn also had the pleasure of designing an EHR to meet the unique needs of one of the nation’s only ambulatory surgery free clinics, and she now serves on the Board of Directors for the program. Prior to healthcare, Kathryn worked in the financial industry where her roles centered around large-scale project management, data analytics, and leadership.

Kathryn is recognized as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality® (CPHQ), certified Project Management Professional (PMP)® and holds a degree in Finance from Old Dominion university.

Stephanie Zabel

Stephanie serves as a Vice President, Outcomes Improvement at HealthLinx. In this role she partners with the executive teams of hospitals to achieve excellence in clinical and process outcomes. Stephanie provides partnered consultation, best practice strategies, and customized solutions to help hospitals improve outcomes and the quality of patient care by optimizing their leadership and programs. Stephanie has the unique opportunity to bring her experience in hospital administration to help her clients improve patient care. She excels in leading positive change in healthcare organizations.

Stephanie brings more than 30 years of leadership experience both in healthcare and nonhealthcare settings. She has deep understanding of Employee Engagement, Service Excellence with a keen understanding of HCAHPS, Process Improvement, Hospital Throughput, Large-scale Project Management, and Positive Change Management. She is an expert in cultivating productive relationships with both decision makers and executive leaders and has a stellar reputation for delivering innovative, sound strategies along with proven tactics for achieving positive results. With excellent business sense and a strong understanding of healthcare, Stephanie is prepared to deliver positive outcomes.

Organizational / Leadership Development

Assessed department effectiveness by interviewing staff and management, developing recommendations for improvement, and serving as a resource for following through on action plans.
Co-Chaired Standards, Rewards and Recognition Committee and facilitated the redesign of the employee recognition program.
Selected as an employee coach for a facility to assist with mediating conflicts, developing action plans & performance improvement.
Recognized by executive leadership as the content expert in finance and budgeting. Served as an instructor to other leaders on how to analyze their data, develop budgets and create action plans to address discrepancies.

Administration

Served as a CNO for a 60-bed facility. Facilitated negotiations with ambulance services and lab companies for better pricing, resulting in 15% reduction in costs. Achieved 80% overall score on HCAHPS (up from 60% year prior). Developed lines-out program, reducing infection rates by approximately 20% facility
Managed a Level II Trauma Emergency Department. Achieved greater than 90% for overall score on HCAHPS. Reduced supply costs by approximately $100,000 annually. Implemented throughput project, increasing ED volumes and patient satisfaction while decreasing ED boarding and length of stay. Opened express care area in emergency department, increasing low acuity volume by 40%. Established Medical Admission and Clinical Decision Unit
Served as a Board Member for a Community Clinic

Project Management / Process Improvement

Hand-picked to lead a newly developed program to implement a Discharge, Admissions, Resource, Transport Team. Selected and hired 7 core team members. The team functioned throughout the hospital.
Implemented new web-based staff scheduling system
Facilitated negotiations with ambulance services and lab companies for better pricing, resulting in 15% reduction in costs
Achieved 80% overall score on HCAHPS (up from 60% year prior)
Developed lines-out program, reducing infection rates by approximately 20%

Education, Training & Certifications

Master’s degree in Nursing
ANCC Nurse Executive (NE-BC)
Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)

Kyle Eberst

Kyle Eberst is a Data Analyst on the Clients Insights & Engagement team at HealthLinx. In this role he utilizes client data to assess facility performance and identify key areas of opportunity. He is dedicated to building collaborative partnerships with hospitals and aims to communicate actionable insights clearly and effectively.

Kyle’s professional experience spans Data Science, Marketing Analytics, and Finance. He received his Master’s in Business Administration from The Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University and his BS in Finance from the Farmer School of Business at Miami University.

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Melinda Gevaart

Melinda Gevaart, MSN, RN, NE-BC is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management with Healthlinx. She has 35 years of healthcare experience including the specialty areas of cardiovascular services, education, project management, nursing quality, and leadership. Melinda most recently served as the Magnet Program Director and System Manager for Nursing Quality. She has extensive experience with shared governance and authoring annual nursing reports. Melinda is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Nurse Executive. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, American Organization of Nurse Executives, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Melinda’s Outcomes

Served as lead for two Magnet® applications that led straight to site visits and successful re-designation (2014, 2018)
Prepared organization for two successful Magnet® site visits motivating, encouraging and engaging staff
Served as the system site coordinator for NDNQI®
Conducted a Magnet® gap analysis for a hospital in the organization’s system and collaborated with nursing leaders to create an action plan to address deficiencies
Established appropriate goals for the division of nursing on annual basis

Other Outstanding Outcomes

Mentored shared governance council and nursing leaders
Mentored leaders, clinical nurses and nursing students in multiple quality improvement, evidenced-based practice and research projects
Served as long-standing member of the Nursing Research Council
Served as organizational deployment leader for quality improvement
Served as nursing leader responsible for mentoring and guiding the work of the Clinical Quality Council (a sub-council of organizational shared governance)
Primary author/editor for Nursing Annual report (8 years)
Budget management
Preceptor for nursing leadership students
Collaborated with performance improvement departments to ensure accreditation and regulatory compliance
Provided input into organizational level policy and procedures to ensure adherence to Magnet® standards

Career Summary

A master’s-prepared and board-certified nurse leader with project management, project implementation, shared leadership and nursing quality expertise. Melinda has extensive experience working with nursing and interprofessional teams to obtain Magnet®, quality and positive financial outcomes. She is a role model for accountability, caring, professionalism, empathy, life-long learning, and nursing excellence.

Professional Experience

Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management, Healthlinx (present)
Bronson Healthcare Group (1989-2019)
- Magnet Program Director, System Manager Nursing Quality (2012-2019)
- Cardiovascular Services – variety of roles including cardiac catheterization lab nurse, unit coordinator and manager (2004-2012)
- Cardiac catheterization lab technologist (1989-2004)

Education

Master of Science – Nursing Education, Western Michigan University
Bachelor of Science – Nursing, Western Michigan University
Bachelor of Science – Health Studies, Western Michigan University

Professional Memberships

American Nurses Association
American Nurses Association-Michigan
American Organization of Nurse Executives
Sigma Theta Tau International

Publications

Silkworth, A. L., Baker, J., Ferrara, J., Wagner, M., Gevaart, M., & Morin, K. (2016). Nursing Staff Develop a Video to Prevent Falls. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 31(1), 40-45. doi:10.1097/ncq.0000000000000135

Theresa McGuire

Theresa McGuire, MSN, RN-BC, is a Vice President of Nursing Excellence, Project Management with HealthLinx. Theresa has over 25 years of professional nursing experience, which includes clinical nursing, leadership, and professional development. Her expertise includes planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs; shared governance; mentorship; and transition to practice programs. Theresa is a nationally recognized expert on onboarding new graduate nurses. She has presented a wide range of topics to various audiences at the local, national, and international levels. Theresa is a founding member of the Michigan Nursing Professional Development organization and is an active member of the Association of Nursing Professional Development, American Nurses Association, and ANA-Michigan.

Theresa’s Outcomes

Involved with the Magnet® Recognition Program for over 10 years.
Led a successful Magnet® Re-designation and received six exemplars exhibiting excellence above and beyond the standards.
Facilitated the foundational structures and processes for professional nursing practice, including the development and evaluation of a Professional Practice Model (PPM), nursing strategic plans, mentorship program, and shared governance.
Led the redesign of PPMs and shared governance structures.
Fostered strong, positive, and collaborative relationships while coaching all nurses, at all levels, to achieve true shared governance.
Mentored clinical nurses and nurse leaders on true shared decision making, which led to exemplary outcomes.
Developed innovative and fun professional learning activities to prepare nurses for site appraisal.

Other Outstanding Outcomes

Planned, implemented, and evaluated a seamless transition to practice program, which led to a 97% retention rate for new graduate nurses for 10 years with excellent RN satisfaction and engagement scores – all above national benchmarks.
Created, distributed, and evaluated an innovative educational needs assessment tailored to each level of nursing, which was used to implement a variety of professional development activities for all nurses at all levels.
Designed, implemented, and evaluated an evidence-based hiring selection process that improved RN satisfaction and promoted RN retention. RN satisfaction with chosen nursing specialty improved by 9.17% (3.38 to 3.69), and retention rates remained above national benchmarks.
Served as NDNQI Site and Survey Coordinator for over a decade, during which participation rates outperformed national benchmarks.
Mentored clinical nurses on evidence-based practice projects using the Iowa model.
Planned, implemented, and evaluated professional development activities to prepare clinical nurses for leadership roles in the shared governance structure.
Reinvigorated the role of Magnet Champions, which led to strong engagement with clinical nurses and nurse leaders.
Led a performance improvement project to improve RNs’ perception of the CNO’s visibility and accessibility, which resulted in improved scores.
Authored numerous outcome-focused Nursing Annual Reports.
Facilitated performance improvement teams, which led to outperformance in nurse-sensitive indicators.
Certified DiSC facilitator through Wiley Publishing.
Promoted the enculturation of nursing theoretical frameworks to bring PPMs to life.
Delivered more than 30 unique presentations to regional, state, national, and international conferences, including the National ANCC Magnet® Conference, with strong Level I and Level II evaluation scores.

Career Summary

Dedicated nurse leader with robust clinical experience demonstrating passion for evidence-based practice, excellence, and quality. Comprehensive background in acuity adaptable levels of care, regulatory and accrediting compliance coupled with a solid understanding of teaching and learning styles, instructional design, innovative teaching strategies, and pedagogy. High regard for shared governance, exemplary professional practice, professional development, and transformational leadership.

Professional Experience

Vice President of Nursing Excellence, Program Management at HealthLinx
Magnet Program Director
Professional Development Specialist
Adjunct Faculty for a traditional BSN nursing program
Performance Improvement Coordinator
Clinical Nurse

Education

Certified Caritas Coach through Dr. Jean Watson’s Caring Science Institute
Master of Science in Nursing – the advanced specialty role of nursing education, Ferris State University, highest distinction
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Lake Superior State University

Professional Memberships, Affiliations, Appointments

Michigan Nursing Professional Development – Founding Member; Held executive offices of President, Vice President, Secretary
Association of Nursing Professional Development – Member; Active member on the National Education Council (August 2019 – August 2021)
American Nurses Association – Member
ANA-Michigan – Member
Peace Keeping Course: Invitation to join world leaders from United Nations with Dr. Jean Watson
Member of Prophecy Healthcare’s national Onboarding Innovation Council
Advisory Board Member to Schools of Nursing: Hope College of Nursing, Grand Rapids Community College Nursing Program

Awards & Honors

Mercy Health Colleagues Award for consistently demonstrating excellence and living out the mission, vision, and values of the organization
Nursing Excellence Award – Spirituality

Cassie Wang

As Senior Vice President of Leadership Excellence – Permanent Leadership Acquisition at HealthLinx, Cassie is responsible for ensuring effective processes are deployed to client hospitals related to managing and mitigating threats that could stand in the way of acquiring the right Permanent Leader within a defined timeframe. Further, Cassie’s purpose as a member of the HealthLinx Executive Leadership Team is essential in keeping HealthLinx at the top of industry performance in the sectors of hospital recruitment, retention, project management, and in improving sustainable long-term position outcomes.

Under Cassie’s leadership, the HealthLinx Permanent Leadership Acquisition team has transitioned to a completely new project management-based delivery model that reduced overall project days for permanent leadership acquisition from an average of 200+ days to less than 120 days, and she successfully led her team in achieving a 90% success rate for client retention.

Since joining HealthLinx in 2004, Cassie has been a leader on her team in progressive roles as Leadership Consultant, Associate Client Consultant, Sr. Client Consultant and Associate Vice President, and she was promoted to her current role in 2012. With Cassie’s progressive experience throughout HealthLinx and her sales-focused background prior to joining the company, she brings to the table more than 15 years of expertise in the critical areas of leadership, complex sales, executive healthcare recruitment, hospital project management, and healthcare leadership and C-Suite consulting.

Cassie earned her MBA with a concentration in leadership at Ohio Dominican University, and her Bachelor of Science in Business Management at The University of Findlay. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management at The University of Findlay.

Gina Boring

Gina Boring, MSN, RN, NE-BC has over 30 years of nursing experience that includes emergency nursing and Magnet® Project Director roles. She has consulted on successful initial and redesignation Magnet® applications, including one that received an international award. Gina is a nationally recognized expert and lecturer on Magnet® and has authored several papers on Magnet® designation. She is board certified as a Nurse Executive through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is a member of the Ohio Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, and Sigma Theta Tau, International.

Gina’s Outcomes
• Currently coordinates and facilitates partnerships between designating facilities and the HealthLinx Nursing Excellence team
• Partnered with multiple organizations for successful document submissions and site visits
• Consulted for and mentored a successful international Magnet Designation® recipient
• As a project director, led her organization to initial Magnet® designation
• Contributed as a writer for successful Magnet® designation and re-designation documents
• Authored several articles and papers on Magnet® designation
• Lectured nationally on topics including shared governance, peer review, quality indicators, nursing research, Magnet® document content and layout, and Magnet® site visit preparation

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Established, implemented, and evaluated an organizational shared governance model
• Designed and implemented a front line peer review process to promote professional development
• Developed the schematic representation of an organizational professional practice model for a designated facility
• Designed and implemented a nursing research academy to promote the generation of nurse researchers and new knowledge
• Mentored nurse researchers preparing documentation for assignment of scientific merit and Institutional Review Board approval
• Served as National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators site coordinator for a 500+ bed teaching hospital with 1,600 RNs
• Coordinated and promoted annual RN Satisfaction Surveys with >90% response rates

Career Summary
A nurse leader with extensive experience in project development, shared governance, and strategic planning, Gina, who is master’s prepared and board certified through the ANCC, is a respected mentor and group facilitator with excellent communication skills.

Professional Experience
• Currently Senior Vice President, Nursing Excellence at HealthLinx
• 1983-2009 Aultman Hospital, Magnet Project Director (2003-2009), Emergency Department Educator (2001-2002), Emergency Department Staff RN (1983-2001)
• 2006 and 2007 Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Adjunct Faculty
• 1982-1983 Riverside Methodist Hospital, Coronary Care Unit Staff RN, Columbus Ohio
• 1981-1982 Aultman Hospital, Med-Surg Staff RN, Canton Ohio

Education
• 2007 Master of Science in Nursing, Walden University
• 2005 Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of North Alabama, Florence Alabama
• 1981 Associate of Science in Nursing, Grace College, Winona Lake Indiana

Professional Affiliations/Appointments
• 2009: ANCC Continuing Education Task Force: Abstract Reviewer
• 2006-present: Sigma Theta Tau, International
• Member of the Ohio Nurses Association, the American Nurses Association, and the American Organization of Nurse Executives

Publications
Author of several published articles and white papers on ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®. Also reviewed and authored the 2nd edition of a resource manual on assessing and achieving the esteemed ANCC Magnet Recognition Award®.

Paul Ferrell

Paul utilizes his 20 years in Emergency Services to directly impact and offer innovative solutions to hospitals throughout the nation.

Strengths
Paul’s strengths include his dynamic leadership and team building skills, with an emphasis in Emergency and Trauma Services. Paul is also proficient in a wide range of services in demand by healthcare organizations including: lean systems principles; quality measures performance improvement; recruitment and retention of talent; margin enhancement; and improving patient, team member, and physician satisfaction.

Background
Prior to joining HealthLinx, Paul served health care organizations ranging from 150 to 500 beds in university and multiple-facility health systems.

Facilities(including but not limited to)

University Trauma Center with mixed urban and rural patient volume
University-based air medical, pediatric, and neonatal transport program
Regional Medical Center in a rural setting with 10-county catchment area
Community-based, multi-aircraft air medical program
Multi-hospital enterprise anchored by world-renowned transplant center
Multi-hospital enterprise accredited Chest Pain Center & Primary Stroke Center

Accomplishments (including but not limited to)

Improved patient satisfaction to 93rd percentile within 6 months
Successfully led system wide Chest Pain Center Accreditation within 6 months
Developed and implemented effective strategies for managing patient throughput issues in the Emergency Department and Inpatient Areas
Developed and implemented effective ED margin enhancement initiatives including increasing collections at time of service by 300%
Developed multi base air medical program
Major event medical management, planning, coordination, and supervision for large venues (NCAA Athletics, Indy Racing League, NASCAR, and Equestrian Events)

Heather Darling

Heather Darling is the Executive Vice President of Clients Insights & Engagement at HealthLinx. In this role she aligns the struggles experienced by hospitals with the value delivered by HealthLinx and its proven processes for outcomes improvement through high-performing nurse leaders and culture. She focuses on the use of technology and digital media to develop strategies and processes for increasing marketing engagement and comprehensive client understanding. Heather joined HealthLinx in 2014 as Web Marketing Strategist and was promoted to Senior Vice President, Marketing in 2016 and then Executive VP of Client Insights & Engagement in early 2019.

Heather brings to HealthLinx over 15 years of experience in marketing and project management. She has presented on the topic of social media marketing at national non-profit industry conferences, and her fingerprints can be seen on the websites, email campaigns, and social media campaigns of companies in the healthcare, foodservice, construction, and non-profit industries. She embraces her label as a tech-geek and is constantly searching for the latest and greatest digital channels to add to her marketing arsenal. Heather is a graduate of The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

Valerie Jones

Valerie serves as a Vice President, Outcomes Improvement at HealthLinx. In this role she partners with the executive teams of hospitals to achieve excellence in clinical and process outcomes. Valerie provides partnered consultation, best practice strategies, and customized solutions to help hospitals improve outcomes and the quality of patient care by optimizing their leadership and programs. Valerie has the unique opportunity to bring her experience in hospital administration to help her clients improve patient care. She excels in leading positive change in healthcare organizations.

Valerie brings more than 30 years of healthcare experience, including deep understanding of Case Management, Employee Engagement, Service Excellence with a keen understanding of HCAHPS, Process Improvement utilizing Six Sigma, Hospital Throughput, Large-scale Project Management, and Positive Change Management. She is an expert in cultivating productive relationships with both decision makers and executive leaders and has a stellar reputation for delivering innovative, sound strategies along with proven tactics for achieving positive results. With excellent business sense and a strong understanding of healthcare, Valerie is prepared to deliver positive outcomes.

Organizational / Leadership Development

Assessed department effectiveness by interviewing staff and management, developing recommendations for improvement, and serving as a resource for following through on action plans.
Chaired team to redesign employee recognition program.
Coached managers and departments in employee engagement; proficient in Gallup Q12 and StrengthsFinder.
Mentored new leaders; facilitated team building; applied change leadership methodology to improve performance.
Facilitated work group completions of Communication Style surveys and debriefed individual and team results with an emphasis on more effective communication.
Served as Service Excellence instructor, guide, coach, facilitator, and role model. Recognized by executive leadership as the content expert and invited to present at quarterly Leadership Meetings.

Presentation Skills – course development and presentation

Developed and presented workshops and breakout sessions at local and national conferences on topics related to leadership development, Service Excellence, Employee Engagement, Social Work, and Six Sigma.
Experienced church retreat presenter and facilitator; worked with volunteer committees to host weekend retreats for women and girls.
Designed and delivered Service Excellence classes and authored monthly and weekly articles for use by managers and staff.
Taught Six Sigma methodology to cohorts of Six Sigma Green Belts and Yellow Belts; represented her hospital at national conferences by speaking about Six Sigma in healthcare.
Developed and instructed Organizing for Effectiveness course for managers.

Administration

Selected and hired 25 core team, 90 temporary trainers, and 350 temporary physician coaches for electronic health record implementation.
Provided leadership to hospital-based Case Management managers for system; interviewed and selected new managers; mentored and coached for success.
Called upon to provide executive support for Nutrition and Housekeeping Services; coached directors and managers in meeting budgetary and regulatory responsibilities.
Requested by executive leaders to facilitate politically sensitive physician concerns and complex interdepartmental dynamics.

Project Management / Process Improvement

Hand-picked to lead the 26-month readiness project to implement a comprehensive electronic health record. Successfully completed the project on schedule and under budget.
Supervised project identification and completion of direct-report Six Sigma Black Belts and coordinated ongoing learning in monthly Six Sigma meetings for all Black Belts throughout organization.
Organized and directed steering committee and project groups, which led to improvement in patient throughput and reduced length of stay while eliminating variation and reducing cost. Collaborated cross-departmentally to ensure safe and efficient patient transitions.

Education, Training & Certifications

Master’s degree in Social Work
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
Six Sigma Black Belt & Master Black Belt Certifications – Breakthrough Management Group
Associate Engagement Coach – Gallup Corporation
Insights Psychometric Profile Accreditation – Insights Learning and Development
Change Management – Organizational Development Resources, Inc., & Trinity Health
High Impact Learning Certification – Advantage Way
Strategic Leadership Program – HealthCare Advisory Board and Trinity Health

Suzanne Miller

Suzanne Miller is a Vice President of Outcomes Improvement with Healthlinx. In this role, Suzanne’s main goal is to collaborate with hospital leaders to ensure improved quality and patient experience and create healthy cultures. Using HealthLinx proven processes, Suzanne assesses areas of opportunities within a hospital with an unrelenting focus on providing a meaningful process improvement. As a former CNO, Suzanne understands the unique challenges hospitals have (and will continue to have) with regards to improving patient centered outcomes.

Strengths
Building relationships is Suzanne’s number one strength. Whether it is with a staff nurse, a patient, a physician, a board member or a member of the executive team, Suzanne quickly develops trusted and genuine relationships with a combination of content expertise and a positive attitude. Suzanne does not give up and loves a good challenge. She firmly believes that if you put the patient at the center of your decisions you will always succeed. In addition, Suzanne is a passionate patient safety advocate and an excellent speaker who regularly provides presentations and leads group meetings.

Background
Prior to joining HealthLinx, Suzanne held various leadership roles in hospital operations including Director of Quality and Patient Safety, Clinical Education, Risk Management, and Accreditation and 5 years as CNO. Prior to becoming a nurse, Suzanne worked in the business world and even owned her own successful small business. This rich and varied background gives Suzanne the unique ability to quickly identify opportunities throughout the healthcare setting, all while ensuring a positive return on investment.

Select Accomplishments
Under Suzanne’s leadership SSIs went from 3.1% to 0.06% in a six-month time period
• Suzanne implemented an ED call back program which led to sustained increased in EDCAHPS from 88%-94.5% within six months
• Suzanne personally educated 100% of clinical staff on the Studer principles of AIDET and Managing Up which helped reduce patient grievances by 72%
• Maintained top 5th percentile for HCAHPS for three years as CNO
• Created Float Pool which decreased agency costs by 27% in Periop and decreased incentive pay in Med/Surg by 55%
• Implemented house-wide daily safety huddles which increased “good catches” by 50% within six months

Mary Clarke

Dr. Mary F. Clarke, PhD, RN, NE-BC is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Analytics with HealthLinx. She has more than 34 years of professional nursing experience that includes direct care, advanced practice, and director-level positions. Dr. Clarke has served as an Informatics Nurse Specialist, Director of Nursing Clinical & Professional Development, Director of Nursing Practice, Research and Innovation, and Magnet Program Director. She has provided oversight for two successful Magnet® designations at two different organizations. She is board certified in Informatics and Nurse Executive through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Dr. Clarke is also a member of the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the American Nurses Association. She also teaches online BSN completion and graduate-level programs.

Dr. Clarke’s Outcomes
• Successfully submitted electronic evidence, completed a three-day intense site visit and received Magnet® re-designation
• Development and implementation of nursing education, orientation, and residency programs
• Extensive experience with electronic health record implementation
• Adjunct faculty positions
• Numerous professional nursing presentations, publications, and research activities

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Department of Health & Human Services, Health Resources and Administration (HRSA) grant reviewer
• Fellow of the Advisory Board (FABC), Washington DC
• Mount Mercy University Alumni Professional Achievement Award
• Fellow to the Center for Nursing Classification and Clinical Effectiveness
• Selected as one of the 100 Great Iowa Nurses
• Recipient of the Edith Ruppert award for significant contributions to the improvement of Nursing

Career Summary
Dr. Clarke is an experienced nurse consultant who has led major nursing initiatives, projects, and research grants. She is a PhD-prepared nurse executive who is respected by nursing colleagues and has excellent communication and project management skills.

Professional Experience
• Currently Vice President Nursing Excellence, Analytics, HealthLinx, Columbus, Ohio
• Director of Clinical and Professional Development/Magnet Program Director. Mercy Medical Center, Dubuque, IA
• Director of Practice, research & Innovation/Magnet Program Director. Genesis Medical Center, Davenport IA
• Informatics Nursing Specialist. Genesis Medical Center, Davenport IA

Education
• Doctor of Philosophy, Nursing Informatics, The University of Iowa
• Master of Science in Nursing, Nursing Administration, The University of Iowa
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Mount Mercy University

Professional Affiliations/Appointments
• American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE)
• Iowa Organization of Nurse Leaders (IONL)
• Sigma Theta Tau
• Midwest Nursing Research Society (MNRS)
• American Nurses Association (ANA) & Iowa Nurses Association (INA)
• Previous member of the IONL Board of Directors

Research Activities
• Program Director: Partners Investing in Nursing’s Future (PIN) grant. Foundation of the Great River Bend Collaborative funded in part by Robert Wood Johnson and Northwest Healthcare Foundations
• Doctoral Dissertation. “Exploration of Nursing Intensity in a Sample of Acute Care Cardiovascular patients using the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC).”
• Co PI: St Ambrose University and Genesis Medical Center. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Grant # D66HP05408Entitled “Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills to Increase Retention”

Celeste Felix

Celeste Felix, MSN, RN, is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Strategy with HealthLinx. She has over 35 years of professional nursing experience that includes direct care, advanced practice, educator, and management positions. Celeste has been involved with the Magnet® designation process for over 12 years. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, Nebraska Nurses Association, American Association of Nurse Executives, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Celeste’s Outcomes
• As a consultant, supported multiple organizations to Magnet® designation or re-designation
• Led her organization to Magnet® re-designation as a Magnet Program Director
• Co-authored document for Magnet® redesignation that was accepted without a request for additional information
• Prepared her organization for a successful Magnet® site visit
• Lectured regionally and nationally on topics including Magnet® designation, shared governance, emergency and trauma nursing, and emergency preparedness

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Led the development and implementation of a shared governance model
• Mentored multiple shared governance council leaders
• Served in a leadership role in the development of peer review
• Served in a leadership role in multiple evidence-based practice and performance improvement projects
• Participated in three research studies
• Served as member of hospital institutional review board
• Facilitated strategic planning with two nursing organizations
• Co-edited a hospital-based nursing newsletter
• Served in a clinical leadership role in the development of the first Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program in a metropolitan community
• Took a leadership role in the development and provision of healthcare professional education on domestic violence in metropolitan community
• Co-wrote a $600,000 federal grant for community emergency preparedness
• Served in multiple leadership roles in the development of metropolitan community disaster preparedness system
• Served in a leadership role in the development of a state trauma system
• Initiated and chaired a community collaborative to standardize color-coded wristbands, which led to the development of a statewide implementation toolkit

Career Summary
A nurse leader with extensive experience in project development, performance improvement, evidence-based practice, and shared governance, Celeste is a respected mentor and group facilitator.

Professional Experience
2009- present HealthLinx: VP Nursing Excellence Strategy (2014 – present), Senior Nurse Analyst (2013 – 2014), Senior Nurse Consultant (2009 – 2013), Columbus Ohio

1995-2009 Nebraska Methodist Hospital: Magnet Program Director (2004-2009), Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (2004-2007), Clinical Nurse Specialist, Emergency Services (1995-2006)

1980-1985 Nebraska Methodist School of Nursing: Faculty

1977-1995 University of Nebraska Hospital: Manager, Emergency Department and Medical Transport Service (1988 – 1995), Unit Director, Emergency Department (1986-1988), Charge Nurse (1986) Paramedic Coordinator (1978-1979), Staff Nurse, Emergency Department (1977-1986)

1976-1977 Lutheran Memorial Hospital: Staff Nurse, ICU/CCU Unit, Grand Island Nebraska

1975-1976 Creighton Memorial St. Joseph Hospital: Staff Nurse, Coronary Care Unit,
Omaha, Nebraska

Education
1982 Master of Science in Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha Nebraska
1975 Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Creighton University, Omaha Nebraska

Honors
2007 Nebraska Methodist Hospital Foundation Spirit of Philanthropy Award – SANE/SART team
2005 Nebraska March of Dimes Distinguished Nurse
1987 Sigma Theta Tau International

Publications
Several publications related to emergency and trauma nursing, disaster planning and peer review

Professional Memberships
American Nurses Association
Nebraska Nurses Association
American Organization of Nurse Executives
Sigma Theta Tau International

Cindy Henry

Cindy Henry, MSN, RN, CEN is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Analytics with HealthLinx. She has more than 40 years of professional nursing experience that includes direct care, educator, management, and leadership positions. Cindy has been involved with the Magnet® designation process for over 12 years. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, American Organization of Nurse Executives, Ohio Nurses Association, Ohio Organization of Nurse Executives, Florida Nurses Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Cindy’s Outcomes
• Facilitated her organization to Magnet® re-designation as Vice President Oversight of Magnet Department
• Co-authored document for 2008 and 2014 Magnet® re-designation
• Prepared her organization for a successful Magnet® site visit

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Led the restructuring and implementation of multidisciplinary shared governance model
• Mentored shared governance council leaders
• Executive facilitator for multiple shared governance councils and boards
• Served in a leadership role in the development of peer review
• Served in a leadership role in multiple evidence-based practice and performance improvement projects
• Participated in five research studies
• Engaged in leadership and mentoring for institution’s Annual Nursing Research Day
• Served as member of hospital institutional review board
• Facilitated Magnet® Strategic Planning
• Developed and facilitated Magnet® monthly publication
• Served as executive facilitator of Trauma Multidisciplinary Team, Peri-Operative Committee, Critical Care Committee, Research Oversight Committee
• Served in multiple leadership roles in the development of community disaster preparedness system
• Served as executive educator and facilitator for High Reliability

Career Summary
A nurse leader with extensive experience in project development, performance improvement, evidence-based practice, research and shared governance, Cindy is respected for her leadership, mentoring and group facilitation.

Professional Experience
o 2014 – Vice President Nursing Excellence, Analytics, HealthLinx, Columbus, Ohio
o 1975 – 2014 Aultman Hospital
o 2011–2014 Vice President Nursing Services (Magnet Department, Emergency Department, Trauma, Chronic/Peritoneal/Home Hemodialysis Departments, Pain Management, Bed Management, and Off-shift nursing administration)
o 2009–2011 Associate Vice President (Outpatient Centers including Surgery and Immediate Care Centers, Dialysis, Pain Management)
o 2008 Unit Director (Same Day Surgery, Pre-test, Outpatient Surgery, Bed Management)
o 2007–2008 Adjunct Faculty Aultman College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Off-shift nursing supervisor
o 2005–2007 Unit Director Emergency Department
o 1975–2004 Staff Nurse (Medical/Surgical, Critical Care Float, Surgical Intensive Care/Open Heart Units, Emergency Department

Education
o 2007 Master of Science in Nursing, Walden University
o 2005 Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of North Alabama
o 1985 Associate Degree in Nursing, Kent State University
o 1975 Licensed Practical Nurse, Practical Nurse Program – Canton City Schools

Honors
o 2007 Sigma Theta Tau
o 2005 University of North Alabama Nursing Honor Society
o 1996 Board Certification as Certified Emergency Nurse.

Professional Memberships
• American Nurses Association
• Ohio Nurses Association
• Florida Nurses Association
• American Organization of Nurse Executives
• Ohio Organization of Nurse Executives
• Emergency Nurses Association
• Sigma Theta Tau International

Vicki Haag

Vicki Haag, DHA, MS, RN is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management with HealthLinx. She has more than 35 years of professional nursing experience in the specialty areas of obstetrics, perioperative services, education, project management, and leadership. Vicki has served as a director and coordinator for the Magnet Recognition® Journey for eight years and is a Certificate Holder in the Fundamentals of Magnet®. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, American Nurses Association-Illinois, American Organization of Nurse Executives, Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders, International Association of Nurses, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Vicki’s Outcomes
• Led her organization to Magnet® designation as a Magnet Program Director
• Co-authored and co-edited her organization’s Magnet® designation document that was accepted without request for further information
• Extensive experience with electronic health record implementation
• Prepared her organization for a successful Magnet® site visit
• Co-edited a second organization’s Magnet® document that led to a successful site visit
• Presented regionally, state-wide, and nationally on topics including Magnet® designation and re-designation, shared governance, nursing preceptor models, nursing professional development, quality improvement, and parent-infant relationships
• Served as her organization’s NDNQI® Site and Survey Coordinator

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Led the development and implementation of foundational structures and processes for professional nursing such as the Professional Practice Model, the Care Delivery Model, shared governance, nursing strategic plan, evidence-based practice, and peer review
• Facilitated and chaired multiple interprofessional shared governance councils and committees
• Mentored shared governance council and nursing leaders
• Mentored leaders, clinical nurses, and nursing students in multiple quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and research projects
• Led the development and implementation of a hospital-based nursing research fund and process for peer-reviewed project approval
• Chaired a hospital-based nursing research council
• Served as a member of a hospital institutional review board
• Served as Principal Investigator for a research study on nursing expertise development
• Served as Co-Investigator in five nursing research studies
• Led the development, implementation, and management of a $1.4 million nursing scholarship program
• Co-authored and served as administrator for a $273,00 ARRA grant for graduate nursing degree programs, partnering with four schools of nursing and 40 nurses
• Served as a member on multiple Advisory Boards for academic nursing programs
• Coordinated faculty and student clinical placements for multiple interprofessional academic programs
• Served as a member of the American Nurses Association-Illinois’ Health Policy and Practice Committee

Career Summary
A nurse leader with extensive experience in project development, project implementation, nursing education, development and training, shared governance, and peer review, Vicki has worked with all levels of nurses in multiple settings and teams to achieve Magnet® designation.

Professional Experience
o 2014- Present HealthLinx: Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management, Columbus, Ohio
o 1995-2014 Riverside Medical Center: Director of Professional Practice/Magnet Program Director/Coordinator (2007-2014); Clinical Coordinator, Educational Services (1997-2007); Education Coordinator, Womens’ and Childrens’ Services (1995-1996); Staff Nurse, Obstetrics/Gynecology (1989-1994)
o 2011 ITT Technical Institute, Breckenridge School of Nursing: Adjunct Faculty
o 1996-1998 Olivet Nazarene University, Department of Nursing: Adjunct Faculty
o 1993-1994 Livingston County Public Health Department: RN Case Manager, Illinois Healthy Moms/Healthy Kids Program
o 1987-1989 Fairbury Hospital, Staff Nurse, Obstetrics
o 1978-1987 Central Community Hospital, Staff Nurse, Perioperative Services (1985-1987, 1979-1981); Medical Surgical Unit (1978-1979)

Education
o 2012 Doctor of Health Administration, University of Phoenix, Phoenix Arizona
o 1995 Master of Science Degree in Nursing, Governors State University, University Park Illinois
o 1993 Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Olivet Nazarene University, Kankakee Illinois
o 1978 Mennonite Hospital School of Nursing, Bloomington Illinois

Honors
o1995 Governors State University National Collegiate Nursing Award
o 1994-1995 Governors State University Nursing Academic Excellence Award
o 1994 Governors State University Collegiate Scholastic All-American Award
o 1992 Sigma Theta Tau International

Publications
o Haag, V. (2013). How one hospital helps staff nurses pay for advanced academic degrees. American Nurse Today, 8(1), 63-65.

Professional Memberships
o American Nurses Association
o American Nurses Association-Illinois
o American Organization of Nurse Executives
o Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders
o International Association of Nurses
o Sigma Theta Tau International Association

Janice Hodges

Janice Hodges, MSN, RN-BC, NE-BC is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management with HealthLinx. She has over 40 years of professional nursing experience that includes direct care, education, advanced practice, and leadership positions. Janice has been involved in the Magnet® designation process for over 12years. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, American Association of Nurse Executives, Michigan Organization of Nurse Executives, the Association for Nurses in Professional Development, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Janice’s Outcomes
• Led her organization to Magnet® designation and re-designation as Magnet Program Director
• Prepared her organization for very successful site visits
• Lectured regionally and nationally on topics including Magnet® designation, transition of new graduate nurses, and various nursing professional development topics.
• Serves as faculty for the ANPD Nursing Professional Development certification prep course

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Led the development, implementation, and evaluation of a professional advancement system.
• Led the development of nursing research and evidence-based practice
• Investigator in several nursing research studies, including the transition of new graduates
• Edited a hospital-based nursing newsletter
• Served as an academic liaison and adjunct faculty member
• Served as a mentor to many nurses, including a DNP student
• Developed a Nurse Residency Program
• Served as a Peer Reviewer for ANPD’s Core Curriculum for Staff Development
• Participated in the revision of nursing education accreditation standards

Career Summary
A nurse leader with extensive experience in project development, evidence-based practice, and nursing education, Jan is a well respected mentor and colleague.

Professional Experience
2014 – present HealthLinx: Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management, Columbus, Ohio
2006 – 2014 – Sparrow Hospital: Director of Nursing Education & Magnet Program, Director of Nursing Education, Practice, & Research, Lansing, Michigan
1998 – 2006 – Spectrum Health: Manager of Nursing Education, Advanced Practice, Research, and Academic Relations, Grand Rapids, Michigan
1983 – 1998 – Butterworth Hospital: Staff Nurse Critical Care, Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator, Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Education Manager, Grand Rapids, Michigan
1982 – 1983 – Butterworth Hospital School of Nursing: Instructor, Grand Rapids, Michigan
1980 – 1982 – Butterworth Hospital: Staff Nurse Critical Care, Grand Rapids Michigan
1979 – 1980 – St Mary’s Hospital: Staff Nurse Critical Care, Grand Rapids, Michigan
1976 – 1979 – St. Joseph Mercy Hospital: Staff Nurse Critical Care, Ann Arbor, Michigan
1974 – 1979 – Butterworth Hospital: Staff Nurse Critical Care, Grand Rapids, Michigan
1973 – 1974 – Gerald Champion Memorial Hospital: Staff Nurse, Alamogordo, New Mexico

Education
• 1990 Master of Science in Nursing, Kirkhof College of Nursing, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, Michigan
• 1979 Bachelors of Science in Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
• 1973 Diploma in Nursing, Butterworth Hospital School of Nursing, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Honors
• 2006 Friend of Kirkhof College of Nursing
• 2006 Special Award, West Michigan Nursing Advisory Council
• 1995 Most Valuable Professional Award, Butterworth Hospital
• 1989 Inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International, Kappa Epsilon Chapter

Publications
Several publications related to nursing professional development.

Professional Memberships
American Nurses Association
American Organization of Nurse Executives
Michigan Organization of Nurse Executives
Association of Nurses in Professional Development
Kappa Epsilon & Alpha Psi, Chapters of Sigma Theta Tau International

Elaine Joyal

Elaine Joyal, MS, RN, NE-BC is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management with HealthLinx. She has over 35 years of professional nursing experience that includes direct care, leadership, and education positions. Elaine is a healthcare nursing leader with a focus on improving the practice environment and patient outcomes. She has been involved in the Magnet designation process for 22 years. Elaine guided a hospital to two successful Magnet® designations, including an initial designation and re-designation. Elaine has also served as a Magnet® appraiser for several years. She is board certified through the ANCC as a Nurse Executive. Elaine is a member of the American Nurses Association, American Organization of Nurse Executives, Rhode Island State Nurses Association, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Elaine’s Outcomes

Led successful Magnet® designations, both initial and first re-designation. Co-authored and authored Magnet® written documentation.
Prepared an organization for successful site visits with clinical nurse involvement.
Received positive evaluations as a Magnet® appraiser for knowledge of the Magnet® Recognition Program, respectful demeanor, and exemplary interactions with clinical nurses.
Facilitated the redesign and implementation of shared governance models.
Authored articles and lectured regionally and nationally on the Magnet® designation and re-designation journey.

Other Outstanding Outcomes

Clinical expert in structures, processes and outcomes that promote and support excellence in nursing practice.
Served as site coordinator for the Nursing Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI). Facilitated reporting, dissemination of nurse-sensitive indicator data, analysis, and action plans to promote positive outcomes.
Initiated daily nursing leadership huddles using high reliability principles to improve communication, develop timely plans for follow-up on quality issues in less than 24 hours, and be proactive with patient flow and staffing plans.
Facilitated teams using interprofessional collaboration, staff empowerment, and evidence-based practice to improve quality, safety, and patient satisfaction. Outcomes included a decreased fall rate and falls with injury that outperformed the benchmark mean and improved communication with nurses to the 90^th
Served as a preceptor in nursing leadership for baccalaureate and master’s program students.

Career Summary

Elaine is a committed nurse leader with experience in Magnet® principles, quality improvement, clinical operations, professional development, and project management. Elaine is master’s prepared, certified as a Nurse Executive and exhibits a passion for quality, relationship based care, and nursing excellence.

Professional Experience

Currently Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management, HealthLinx, Columbus, Ohio
2003-2017 Magnet® Appraiser, American Nurses Credentialing Center, Silver Springs, Maryland
2005-2017 Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket, Rhode Island: Patient Care Director for Inpatient Services (2014-2017), Patient Care Director for several clinical areas (2005-2014)
2003-2005 St. Anne’s Hospital, Fall River, Massachusetts: Interim Vice President Patient Care Services/CNO (2004-2005), Patient Care Director Intensive Care Unit and Special Projects
1993-2003 Clinical Instructor (part-time), Rhode Island College, Providence, RI
1981-2003 The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island: Magnet Program Coordinator/Magnet Program Director (1995-2003), Professional Development Specialist (1993-1995), Nurse Manager, Cardiac Medical Telemetry (1988-1993), Assistant Nurse Manager, Medical-Surgical (1985-1988), Staff Nurse, Surgical (1981-1985)

Education

Master of Science in Nursing Administration, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts

Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Rhode Island College, Providence, Rhode Island

Honors

2014 Rosemary Wood Leadership Award, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island

2006 Magnet Mentor, Magnet Recognition Program

1997 Clinical Nurse Educator Award, Rhode Island State Nurses Association

1987 Employee of the Year, The Miriam Hospital

Professional Affiliations

American Nurses Association

American Organization of Nurse Executives

Rhode Island State Nurses Association

Sigma Theta Tau International

Marilyn Morales

Dr. Marilyn Pearson Morales, PhD, RN-BC, FNP, is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management with HealthLinx. She has over 30 years of professional nursing experience, having served as Director of Nursing Professional Development, Practice and Research; Director of Education; and Assistant Professor of Nursing. Dr. Morales has been responsible for several Magnet® designations, including several as co-author. She has extensive experience as an executive for nursing orientation and education, professional development, nursing practice, shared governance, and authoring annual nursing reports. Dr. Morales has served as faculty at three colleges and universities, as well as primary investigator for four nursing studies, and published a paper on RN satisfaction and NDNQI indicators. Marilyn is board certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center in Nursing Professional Development. She is also a member of the Virginia Nurses Association, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, and the Association for Nursing Professional Development. She is a Certificate Holder Fundamentals of Magnet®.

Dr. Morales’ Outcomes
• Co-director and co-author of two successful Magnet® initiative documents
• Editor of nursing annual reports
• Development and implementation of nursing orientation, education and professional development
• Design and implementation of staff clinical ladder to align with Magnet® Sources of Evidence
• More than $1.3 million in grants to support nursing education, certification and research
• Clinical expert in nursing practice, procedures and standards
• Faculty member for associate degree, bachelor’s and master’s-level nursing programs
• Site visit prep team
• More than 30 professional nursing presentations

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Management and leadership
• Budget management
• Patient education
• Nursing Continuing Education and Staff Development
• Shared governance
• Preceptor for nurse practitioner students
• Clinical care map development

Career Summary
Dr. Morales is an experienced nurse consultant who has led major nursing initiatives, projects and grants. She is a PhD-prepared nurse executive who is respected by nursing colleagues and has excellent communication and project management skills.

Professional Experience
• Currently VP Nursing Excellence, Project Management HealthLinx, Columbus, Ohio
• Director of Nursing Professional Development, Practice and Research, University of North Carolina Hospitals, Chapel Hill, North Carolina (2006-2012)
• Director of Corporate Education, INOVA Loudoun Hospital , Leesburg, Virginia
(2002-2005)
• Assistant Professor of Nursing, Northern Virginia Community College (1997-2002)
• Nursing Case Manager, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, D.C. (1995-1997)
• Clinical Nurse Educator, Borgess Medical Center, Michigan (1986-1994)
• Staff Nurse, Borgess Medical Center, Michigan (1981-1986)
• Staff Nurse, Three Rivers Area Hospital, Michigan (1980-1981)

Education
• Doctor of Philosophy, Nursing, University of Virginia
• Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, Georgetown University
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Michigan

Professional Affiliations/Appointments
• North Carolina Organization of Nurse Executives Research Collaborative (2009-2013)
• Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Vice President of local chapter (2010-2013), member since 1985
Association of Nursing Professional Development
(1987-present)

Katherine Riley

Katherine Riley, MSN, RN is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management with HealthLinx. Katherine has over 30 years of professional nursing experience that includes direct care, leadership, and professional development. She has served in a variety of nursing leadership positions including senior director, ACNO, and Interim CNO. In these roles, she has guided several organizations to successful Magnet® designation and re-designation. Katherine is a nationally recognized expert and speaker on nursing excellence and Magnet®. She is board certified as a Nurse Executive through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and holds a Green Belt in Six Sigma. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, Vermont Nurses Association, American Organization of Nurse Executives, Vermont Organization of Nurse Leaders, and Sigma Theta Tau International.

Katherine’s Outcomes
• Led successful Magnet® designations, both initial and re-designations
• Led successful initiative for the first hospital of fewer than 100 beds to achieve Magnet® designation
• Authored several articles and white papers on Magnet® and the culture of nursing excellence
• Lectured regionally and nationally on topics including the culture of Magnet®, Magnet® designation in a small community hospital, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice
• Faculty member for RN to BSN nursing program

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Led the redesign of a nursing department using Lean Six Sigma principles to improve quality outcomes and efficiency, reduce expenses, and increase nursing satisfaction
• Redesigned a shared governance model to streamline decision-making, improve communication, increase efficiency and effectiveness, and increase nursing satisfaction
• Established a Nursing Clinical Scholar program to provide clinical nurses with compensated time and clinical expertise to develop and implement research and evidence-based practice projects
• Developed and implemented a staff-driven, salary model of compensation for clinical nurses on a Women’s and Children’s unit to increase nursing satisfaction and decrease overtime

Career Summary
Katherine is a nurse leader with extensive experience in program development, strategic planning, project management, and staff development. She is master’s-prepared and board certified through the ANCC, and is a respected coach, mentor and facilitator.

Professional Experience
• HealthLinx VP Nursing Excellence, Project Management, Columbus, Ohio, 2012-present
• 2010-2012 Saratoga Hospital, Director Professional Practice and Magnet® Program Director
• 2012-present Chamberlain College of Nursing, Visiting Professor
• 2010-2012 Southern Vermont College, Adjunct Faculty
• 2009-2010 Independent Leadership Consultant
• 1985-2009 Southwestern Vermont Medical Center
o Interim CNO(2009)
o Assistant Vice President Nursing Performance Excellence (2005-2009)
o Director Integrated Clinical Services & Access Services (2003-2005); Magnet® Program Director (2001-2009)
o Director Imaging Services (1999-2003)
o Director Radiation Oncology (1995-2003)
o Director Medical-Surgical Services (1992-1999)
o RN Med-Surg, PACU (1985-1992)

Education
• Master of Science in Nursing, University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Southern Vermont College, Bennington, VT
• Associate in Applied Science in Nursing, Maria College, Albany, NY

Professional Affiliations/Appointments
• 2012 ANCC Continuing Education Task Force: Abstract Review
• 2006-present Sigma Theta Tau, Tau Kappa Chapter
• 1998-present American Organization of Nurse Executives
• 2002-present American Nurses Association
• 1994-present Vermont Organization of Nurse Leaders
• Vermont Educational Loan Repayment Program for Nurses: Selection Committee Member

Publications
• 2006 Shared Governance: A Practical Approach to Reshaping Professional Nursing Practice. HCPro: Contribution Author
• Author of several published articles and white papers on ANCC Magnet® Recognition Program

Holli Roberts

Dr. Holli Roberts, DNP, RN is a Vice President Nursing Excellence Project Management with HelathLinx. She has more than 30 years of professional nursing experience that includes direct care, education, management and leadership positions. Dr. Roberts has been involved with the Magnet® designation process for over 9 years. She also served as a Pathway to Excellence® lead appraiser. Dr. Roberts is adjunct faculty at two universities. She has extensive experience in benchmarking, evaluating and interpreting healthcare quality data as compared to national, state and local databases including NDNQI, Press Ganey and National Healthcare Safety Network. She is a member of the American Nurses Association, Kentucky Nurses Association, National Association for Healthcare Quality, Kentucky Organization of Nursing Leaders and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society.

Holli’s Outcomes

Contributed as a writer for successful 2008 Magnet® designation and co-authored document for successful Magnet® re-designation in 2014
Prepared her organization for a successful Magnet® site visit
Author of nursing annual reports
Individually gave more than 15 professional nursing presentations, including a podium presentation at the 2013 ANA National Quality Conference in Atlanta, GA on Engaging the bedside nurse in quality improvement. Facilitated presentations for multiple conferences, including the 2016 ANCC Magnet Conference, 2015 Sigma Theta Tau International Conference, 2015 International Conference for PeriAnaesthesia Nurses in Copenhagen, Denmark and the 2011 and 2013 Press Ganey Conferences

Other Outstanding Outcomes

Coordinated the ANCC Magnet® designation program, including administration and authoring of written document, DDCT submission and data management for empirical outcomes
Facilitated Magnet® strategic planning and writers’ groups
Mentored shared governance council leaders
Developed peer review program for nursing leaders
Established and facilitated Magnet® monthly publication for her organization
Served as site and survey coordinator for NDNQI database. Facilitated analysis, synthesis, reporting, graphic display and comprehension of nursing sensitive indicators for all levels of nursing staff and administration
Developed an Outcomes Report program to engage staff level nurses in quality improvement at the unit level
Created the Nursing Project Proposal to support primary investigators in project completion. Served in a leadership role in multiple research, evidence-based practice and performance improvement projects. Mentored nurse researchers in preparing documentation for Institutional Review Board approval, publication and presentation at national conferences.

Career Summary

A nurse leader with extensive experience in project development, performance improvement, evidence-based practice, research, nursing education and management of nurse sensitive indicators. Holli is a doctoral-prepared nurse who is respected by her colleagues as a coach, mentor and facilitator with excellent project management skills.

Professional Experience

2017 Vice President Nursing Excellence Project Management, HealthLinx, Columbus, Ohio.

2008-2017 Nursing Magnet-Quality Coordinator, Baptist Health Louisville, Louisville, KY

2015-2017 Lead Appraiser, Pathway to Excellence®, American Nurses Credentialing Center

2014-2017 Adjunct BSN Instructor, Bellarmine University and Spalding University- Schools of Nursing, Louisville, KY

2004-2008 Nurse Manager, Baptist Hospital East, Louisville KY

1998-2004 Charge Nurse- Pain Management Clinic and Acute Pain Program, University of Louisville Healthcare, Louisville, KY

1993-1998 Trauma Surgery Team Leader, University of Louisville Healthcare, Louisville, KY

1987-1993 Staff Nurse (Critical Care/ Burn, Surgery, Perioperative units), University of Louisville Healthcare, Louisville, KY

1986-1987 Staff Nurse (Burn, Neonatal Intensive care units), Norton-Kosair-Children’s Hospital, Louisville, KY

Education

2017 Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Leadership, Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY

2007 Master of Science in Nursing Administration, Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY

1986 Bachelors of Science in Nursing, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY

Honors

2016 Nurse Excellence Award, Baptist Health Louisville

2014 Kentucky Organization of Nursing Leaders Graduate Scholar

2007 Bellarmine Graduate Faculty Merit Award

2004 University Healthcare Nurse of the Quarter

Professional Affiliations

2014-present National Association for Healthcare Quality

2011-present American Nurses Association

2011-present Kentucky Nurses Association

2006-present Kentucky Organization of Nursing Leaders

2006-present Sigma Theta Tau International

2004-2010 Kentucky Board of Nursing Nurses Day Recognition Committee

Publications

A descriptive study of nursing peer review programs in U.S. Magnet hospitals, Journal of Nursing Administration, April 2017.

Effects of controlled breathing, with or without aromatherapy, in the treatment of postoperative nausea, Journal of Per-Anesthesia, Oct 2015.

Co-author of Two-tiered approach improves quality of care in palliative setting through staff empowerment, chapter in 2013 NDNQI Monograph.

Michelle Trautman

Michelle Trautman, MSN, RN is a Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management with Healthlinx. Michelle has 24 years of professional nursing experience including direct care, education, leadership and professional development. She has been involved in the Magnet® Designation process for over 10 years and has training as a Magnet® appraiser. She has been responsible for multiple Magnet® designations including leading a successful initial designation and co-authoring several successful redesignations for both individual hospitals and a system. Michelle is a member of the American Nurses Association, the Arizona Nurses Association, the American Organization of Nurse Executives, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. She is a certificate holder in the Fundamentals of Magnet® through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Michelle’s Outcomes
• Led successful Magnet® designation, both initial and re-designations for individual hospitals and a system.
• Prepared multiple organizations for site visits.
• Redesigned and led a professional development/clinical ladder program and acted as a mentor to clinical nurses in the program.
• Led the development and implementation of professional practice model.
• Led the development, implementation and redesign of shared governance models.

Other Outstanding Outcomes
• Mentored several shared governance council leaders.
• Served as site coordinator for hospitals’ NDNQI database for nursing quality indicators and nurse satisfaction surveys
• Clinical expert in nursing sensitive outcomes, patient satisfaction, and nursing satisfaction data analysis and improvement.
• Responsible for nursing continuous improvement activities.
• Developed, implemented and led orientation and training programs. Led the AORN Periop 101 curriculum for nurses new to the operating room.
• Led multiple nursing recognition and rewards programs.

Career Summary
A nurse leader with extensive experience in performance improvement, program development, project management and shared governance. Michelle is master’s-prepared and is a respected group facilitator and mentor.

Professional Experience
• Currently Vice President Nursing Excellence, Project Management, Healthlinx
• Magnet Program Manager, HonorHealth , Arizona
• Magnet Program Manager, John C. Lincoln, Arizona
• Magnet Quality Management Coordinator, John C. Lincoln, Arizona
• Surgical Specialty Coordinator, John C. Lincoln, Arizona
• Clinical Nurse Educator, John C. Lincoln, Arizona
• Staff nurse circulator, John C. Lincoln, Arizona
• Staff nurse Circulator, MeritCare, North Dakota
• Staff nurse, MeritCare, North Dakota
• Staff nurse, Villa Maria Nursing Home, North Dakota

Education
• Master of Science in Nursing-Leadership, Grand Canyon University
• Bachelor of Arts in Nursing, University of Jamestown

Professional Affiliations
• American Nurses Association (ANA)
• Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA)
• American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE)

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (STTI)

Ethan Kosmider

Ethan Kosmider, PhD utilizes his 12 years of writing and editing experience to ensure that Magnet documents are focused, organized and professional in their writing and appearance. Ethan has worked on several successful Magnet documents, helping writers clearly and accurately express nurses’ accomplishments.

Chad Burgel

Chad brings almost 20 years of business analysis, management, leadership, and business development experience to the position of VP of Leadership Service Delivery with HealthLinx. In this role, Chad’s primary focus is to lead teams of experienced Senior Leadership Consultants and Leader Representatives to find the best leadership solutions in Healthcare. Seeking to find Transitional and Permanent solutions to our client’s leadership needs through utilization of our teams extensive network of relationships with Nurse Managers, Service Line Directors, and C-suite Executives. Chad began his career with HealthLinx as an Operations Consultant, then as a Senior Leadership Consultant, and grew into his current role where he provides leadership to multiple teams and associates.

Prior to joining HealthLinx, Chad spent three years as an academic advisor in higher education and, previous to that, nine years as Director of Operations for a real estate development company in Columbus, Ohio. Chad earned his MBA from Ohio Dominican University and Bachelor of Education degree from Bowling Green State University.

Tammy Driver

Tammy Driver is a Vice President of Leadership Excellence with HealthLinx. In this role she assesses and addresses opportunities for outcomes improvement relating to hospital efficiency/waste and quality metrics, as well as culture and the patient experience. Using a holistic view and a well-rounded approach to customized deliverables, Tammy seeks to transform positions and service lines, and ultimately improve hospital outcomes, financial performance, and quality of patient care.

Strengths
Tammy’s strengths include an enthusiasm for nursing excellence and patient safety achieved by collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams that include all departments within the organization, leading change by obtaining input from both stake and risk holders and celebrating organizational successes.

Background
Tammy is a healthcare leader with over 20 years of nursing experience in organizations of varying size. A few positions from her successful career are: Transitional Leader—Director of Emergency Services, Spring Valley Hospital, Las Vegas, NV; Transitional Leader—Director Med-Surg & Critical Care, North Country Hospital, Newport, VT; Director of Emergency Services, multiple locations; Director of Performance Improvement; multiple locations

Select Accomplishments
• Decreased Left Without Being Seen from 3.7% to 0.4%
• Reduced Decision to Discharge to Discharge by 24 minutes
• Implemented a fall risk program, decreasing fall with injury to zero and resulting in projected savings of $540,000
• Identified $700,000 revenue at risk due to inconsistent charge capture, coding support, and documentation
• Implemented leader rounding, resulting in improved patient satisfaction scores
• Impacted team turnover and engagement by creating a culture of accountability
• Hardwired TJC and regulatory compliance standards, resulting in successful surveys
• Developed nursing and core measure scorecards
• Implemented STEMI Touch ‘n Go
• Conducted Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Root Cause Analysis, which led to improvements in patient safety

Education
• University of Phoenix, MBA/MSN
• Middle Tennessee State University, BSN

Brad Robinson

Brad Robinson is a Vice President of Transitional Leadership with Healthlinx. In this role, Brad strives to provide hospital leaders transformational improvements in culture, quality, patient satisfaction, process and financial performance. Brad’s main goal is to collaborate with hospital leaders to ensure improved quality and patient experience and create healthy cultures. HealthLinx’ proven processes along with Brad’s many years of clinical and operations experience provides the perfect solution to hospitals in need of change and improvement. Brad understands the unique challenges hospital leaders face today in balancing excellent clinical outcomes while managing tight margins in this new era of healthcare reform.

Strengths

Brad’s strengths include an unrelenting passion for clinical excellence, persistent operational successes, and an unforgiving dedication to patient safety and satisfaction. He achieves top decile outcomes performance by leading and engaging teams across all disciplines within organizations.

Background

Prior to joining HealthLinx, Brad served in clinical and leadership roles in a number of facilities ranging from medium sized community based non-profit hospitals to large urban academic medical centers, including:

Urban Level II Trauma Center, tertiary medical center with large neurological destination program.
Multi-hospital system in suburban setting, accredited in Trauma, Chest Pain, Stroke and Orthopedics.
Suburban Level II Trauma Center, top decile performance in Cardiovascular Services
Transitional Leadership across multiple facilities and service lines

Selected Accomplishments:

Successfully led CVICU to AACN Beacon Designation
CABG SCIP ACS of 100% for two straight years
Increased number of nationally certified nurses by 400%
Decreased LWOBS from 7.5% to >1.5%
Successfully led ICAEL & ICAVL reaccreditation
Managed multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement service line programs that were fully accredited and produced market share growth.
Employed team building initiatives that improved nursing engagement scores and reduced overall voluntary nursing turnover.
Successfully developed and executed merger of ultrasound and vascular sonography
Maintained financial operations within budgets and targets. Implemented a variety of expense reduction and productivity enhancement strategies.

Education

Ashford University, Masters Business Administration, Healthcare Administration

Methodist College of Nursing, Bachelors of Science, Nursing

Darlene Smuke

Darlene serves as a Vice President, Leadership Excellence at HealthLinx. In this consultative role she uses a collaborative approach to Healthcare Project Management, inspiring partnerships with healthcare executives and organizations across the nation. Her ability to cultivate effective operational relationships with key decision makers and professional leaders provides considerable value to the success of healthcare organizations and ultimately to the delivery of safe, quality patient care.

Background
Darlene brings over 25 years of nursing experience in direct patient care, clinical instruction, and administrative leadership. A rich clinical background in Critical Care and Surgical Services led Darlene to Nursing Leadership and Hospital Operations, and complements her current role to most effectively offer customized strategies and solutions to enhance organizational leadership and performance.

Strengths
With a passion for patient safety and ambition for quality outcomes, Darlene possesses the focus, drive, and expertise to identify leadership gaps, recommend best practice strategies, and advocate the execution of a plan to optimize healthcare leadership and programs/service lines.

Education
Kent State University MSN
Penn State University BSN

Elliot Berry

Elliot Berry, Senior Leadership Consultant with HealthLinx, brings to this position over 17 years of recruitment and market analysis experience and hundreds of successful career matches for nurse leaders with healthcare systems. Since joining HealthLinx in 1999, Elliot’s primary focus has been to foster a connection between the desires of experienced healthcare leaders and the needs of our hospital clients for Permanent and Transitional Leadership solutions.

Originally focused on Women’s and Children’s Services leaders, Elliot brings a vast amount of knowledge and experience to the process of assisting leaders find the ideal job in their nursing leadership specialty. His mission is to ensure that leaders:

• Are aware of all potential promotional opportunities available nationally
• Have the assistance they deserve to outline and articulate their unique talents and outcomes
• Are supported throughout the interview process, salary negotiations, and on-boarding in their new role
• Have continued support throughout their tenure at their new organization

Contact Elliot today if you’re keeping your options open and ready to explore a new role in nursing leadership.

Nikki Biratsis

As a Senior Leadership Consultant at HealthLinx, Nikki brings over 16 years Customer Service, Management, and Recruitment expertise as she partners with hospitals and leaders nationwide. In this role, Nikki works to help foster successful connections for both short-term consulting and permanent placement through Transitional and Permanent solutions. She strives to create positive and long-lasting relationships with both leaders and clients to provide the most valuable solutions and outcomes for all involved, while being a resource in resume writing, interview coaching, negotiations, and in providing assistance and support for onboarding and transition.

Contact Nikki today if you’re active pursuing your next leadership role or simply keeping your options open for very select roles.

Hannah Cassell

As a Senior Leadership Consultant, Hannah brings over four years of progressive leadership in healthcare, recruitment, and sales – exemplifying key strengths in relationship building, project management, and an intense focus on providing superior client satisfaction. In her current role, she provides nursing leaders with guidance and advocacy in various forms, such as distinguishing career goals, resume assistance, interview coaching, negotiation, and overall transition support. As a proven leader, Hannah brings immense knowledge, tenacity, and above all, an authentic approach and passion in sourcing the ideal position for any given nursing leader.

She began her career with HealthLinx as a Leadership Representative and grew into her current role. Hannah received her bachelor’s degree from Ohio University with an interdisciplinary background in health services and business administration.

Kelly Ruggiero

As a consultant across many service lines and specialties in Healthcare, Kelly is able to provide customized, permanent and transitional leadership solutions and Nursing Operational Excellence consulting for hospitals nationwide. Through daily communication with an extensive network of healthcare leaders, Magnet Program Directors and Chief Nursing Officers nationwide, Kelly is able to identify the top talent and cultural excellence changes needed to achieve the specific goals of your organization whether that be for Leadership Solutions or Magnet®/Pathway® designation.

• Nursing Excellence Assessment – a comprehensive organizational assessment to support the organization’s effort in achieving their mission of effective patient care with the right resources while preserving precious resources.

• Designation Consulting – Identifying potential consulting support solutions that utilize a Strategic Designation Process to provide hospitals with consulting services on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® and also Pathway to Excellence.

• Electronic Submission Solutions for the Magnet ® designation/re-designation document submission requirements, saving the organization time, money, resources, and effort.

• Transitional Leadership solutions that utilize an Outcomes Driven-Deliverables Process to fulfill immediate leadership needs. An experienced leader to set the stage for the long-term permanent leader solution.

• Executive Search solutions that utilizes a Best Conditions for Employment Process to provide an experienced permanent leader that can achieve the organization’s long-term goal.

Rebecca Allard

Rebecca Allard serves as a Vice President of Leadership Excellence at HealthLinx. In this role, her primary responsibility is to fully assess and diagnose a client’s leadership challenges and outcomes risks, then customize the most strategic, efficient, and effective plan for acquiring a permanent leader. She has over 18 years of executive-level leadership, executive-level recruitment, sales, client strategy, and complex project management experience, primarily in the field of healthcare. Rebecca joined HealthLinx in 2006 where she has served in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility, ranging from executive leadership consultant; to leading the specialized Leadership Acquisition Divisions in Oncology and Radiology; to performing on-site Diagnostic Assessments and managing challenging Leader Acquisition projects in all Hospital/Healthcare services; to her current role as the company’s most tenured Vice President of Leadership Excellence.

• The fastest turnaround times in the market;
• The greatest outcomes;
• The best long-term retention; and
• The highest positive financial impact on their investment.

Prior to coming to HealthLinx Rebecca started her career in operational leadership, where she progressed quickly to an executive level. Rebecca holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and majored in Consumer Affairs / Business.

Melissa Adams

Melissa Adams is the Senior Vice President of Enterprise Logistics at HealthLinx. In the wide-ranging scope of this role she oversees all leadership-related functions, project coordination, Human Resources, and Administrative support. Melissa is dedicated to the mission and vision of HealthLinx, knowing that by creating better outcomes through high-performing leadership and culture, we can help improve healthcare delivery in facilities across the nation. Her detail-oriented, proactive approach helps to drive the organization to success. Melissa joined HealthLinx in 2005 and worked in roles of increasing responsibility within the organization, including Operations Consultant, Operations Manager, Director of Operations, and AVP. Her experience in project management, data analysis, and creating and standardizing processes serves her teams and the organization as a whole.

Along with a degree in Multi-Skilled Health Technology, Melissa earned a Massage Therapy Certification from Lakeland Community College to further her understanding of healthcare.

Rod Phillips

Rod Phillips serves as the Senior Vice President Information Services at HealthLinx. In this role he leads the HealthLinx Information Technologies (IT) Support team.

Rod utilizes his 25+ years of IT support and administration experience to ensure that his team of professional specialists provide HealthLinx associates and clients with the tools to effectively communicate, collaborate and achieve each project’s objective.

Matt Berry

Matt joined HealthLinx as a Board Member in 1997, and in 2001 he was hired in his current capacity as COO.

His driving focus is simple: improved outcomes for client facilities through high-performing leaders and culture.

“Every day my goal is to set the standard for performance in our market. That means we provide the best leaders [both Transitional and Permanent] faster than any other organization. Our numbers tell the story. Currently, our Leadership Excellence Solution produces well over one million dollars in Positive Financial Impact and we complete these projects in 120 days. That’s unheard of. Most competitors are in facilities for 3 to 4 times as long.

“Further, when a facility pursues Magnet® or Pathway to Excellence® designation, we make sure they receive designation 100% of the time.

“When a facility has a great culture and great leaders, they possess a competitive advantage unmatched by their competitors.”

Matt holds a Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School, a Masters of Business Administration from Capital University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University.

Julie Berry

Julie Berry, founder and CEO of HealthLinx Executive Search, has specialized in healthcare executive search for over 20 years. Since the company’s founding in 1997, HealthLinx has grown into a healthcare solutions firm focused on mitigating risks and improving hospital outcomes through high-performing leadership and culture – and ultimately improving hospital financial performance and quality of patient care. What began out of the basement of her apartment has evolved into the nation’s top Nursing & Leadership Excellence partner. HealthLinx is the only firm in the world which offers Executive Search, Transitional Leadership, and Nursing Excellence consultation for both Magnet® and Pathway to Excellence® designations.

Julie has personally partnered with hospitals of all sizes on hundreds of successful searches, and she has overseen nearly one thousand completed searches in hospitals all over the country.

Julie holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Capital University Law School and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from The Ohio State University. As a lawyer and an expert in her field, Julie is considered a valuable resource to both her clients and candidates, and a valuable consultant to her peers.

Pathway to Excellence® Consulting

Achieve your Pathway to Excellence® Designation and Improve Nursing Outcomes

Our Proven Process Doesn’t Fail.

Our Customized Pathway to Excellence® Services

Partnering with HealthLinx® goes beyond documentation to ensure not just your designation, but your sustained performance & improvement.

The Difference between Pathway to Excellence® & Magnet® Designations

We Meet You Where You Are On The Pathway to Excellence® Journey

Have Not Yet Started your Pathway® Journey

54-36 Months from Document Submission

36-12 Months from Document Submission

Pathway Redesignation & Continuity

Bridging between ANCC’s Pathway to Excellence® and Magnet Recognition®

Contact Us to Schedule an On-Site Planning Meeting for Pathway to Excellence®

Or if you just want to have a conversation to learn more!

Pathway to Excellence® Resources

Bridging Between ANCC Pathway To Excellence® And Magnet Recognition® Programs

Q & A – Clinical Nurses For Pathway And Magnet

Pathway To Excellence – How To Get Started

Pathway To Excellence Best Practice

Nursing Excellence Testimonials