Nebraska Medicine

Nebraska Medicine announces leadership changes Michael Ash Kelly Vaughn Kyle Skiermont Julie Lazure Tiffany Joekel Sue Nuss Nebraska Medicine is pleased to announce several changes to the organization’s senior leadership structure, effective immediately. “Extraordinary organizations never stand still,” says James Linder, MD, CEO. “Nebraska Medicine will continue to evolve to meet the needs of our patients, to create the best possible work environment for the thousands of extraordinary colleagues here, and to be ready for the future.” The changes include the following roles: Michael Ash, MD, will serve as president and chief operating officer, a promotion from his prior role of executive vice president – chief operating officer. In his 10 years with Nebraska Medicine, Dr. Ash has directed the health system to a position of national leadership in clinical quality and safety, and in information technology excellence. An internal medicine physician and pharmacist by training, Dr. Ash also holds numerous health care related patents. As the health system president, Dr. Ash will continue to lead expansions of clinical services across Nebraska and to optimize nursing and health system operations at the health system’s current facilities. Kelly Vaughn will serve as chief nursing officer, leading thousands of nurses in Nebraska Medicine hospitals, clinics, and support areas. Since beginning her career as a nursing assistant with Nebraska Medicine more than 26 years ago, Vaughn has focused her leadership career improving the work environment for nurses and implementing technology to improve patient care and nursing practice. She most recently served as vice president of operations, leading Bellevue Medical Center. As CNO, Vaughn now joins the Nebraska Medicine Board of Directors. Kyle Skiermont, PharmD, is being promoted to senior vice president of operations. This expanded role will allow Dr. Skiermont to continue leading Pharmacy and Cancer while also taking on leadership responsibilities for Ambulatory, Diagnostic and Procedural services. Julie Lazure has been named vice president – nurse executive. In this position, Lazure will assume administrative leadership of Bellevue Medical Center and other hospital-based nursing departments. Additionally, she will lead nursing practice and provide operational leadership to Nebraska Medical Center’s Innovation Design Unit. Tiffany Joekel has been promoted to vice president of government affairs. Joekel serves as a liaison to the organization’s public partners, including local, state, and federal legislators. Sue Nuss, PhD, is stepping out of the role of chief nursing officer and starting the new role of clinical workforce development officer for Nebraska Medicine and as an Assistant Vice Chancellor at UNMC. In these vital roles, Dr. Nuss will formulate solutions to the ongoing workforce shortage by building the pipeline between UNMC, Clarkson College and other regional nursing and allied health schools. Dr. Nuss has more than 40 years nursing experience, including 25 years in pediatric oncology and 15 years in nursing administration. Dr. Linder says the organizational changes do not add to the number of executive leaders for the health system and are “budget neutral,” meaning the promotions and new roles do not add new expenses for the health system.