Ms. Hereford serves as system chief nurse executive for University Hospitals, leading nursing operations, professional practice, education, research and clinical services across a large multi-hospital and ambulatory network. Since joining the system in 2021, she has steered a comprehensive workforce strategy centered on retention of experienced nurses, recruitment of new talent and pipeline development to address the nursing shortage. She convenes and leads the nursing leadership roundtable to amplify nurse perspectives, support philanthropy and community engagement, and strengthen University Hospitals as an employer of choice for nursing. Ms. Hereford helped launch innovative pipeline initiatives, including earn-to-learn pathways for nursing assistants and interns, licensed practical nurse earn-and-learn programs, and the licensed practical nurse-to-BSN “LEAP” program supported by an Health Resources and Services Administration grant. Internally, she has advanced leadership and scholarship through expansion of the UH Nurse Leader Center, nursing leadership and research conferences, and recognition programs such as the “UH Distinguished Nurse” awards. She also partnered regionally to expand nursing education capacity through the “Nursing Clinical Adjunct Faculty Initiative” with Cleveland Clinic and community stakeholders. Under her leadership, the system earned the 2025 American Organization for Nursing Leadership “Prism Award” for enterprise-level commitment to recruiting, retaining and developing nursing talent.
