UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., introduced UNMC employees to new Nebraska Medicine Interim Chief Executive Officer Rosanna Morris at an afternoon forum Monday.
The Advisory Board for Nebraska Medicine named Morris to the position Monday. A registered nurse, Morris has been with the organization for seven years.
Forum archived
Monday’s forum is being archived. To access the archived presentation, click here.
During that time she served as the system chief nursing officer, and in January of 2014 she added the responsibilities of chief operating officer for the Nebraska Medical Center campus.
Morris replaces Bill Dinsmoor, who retired March 3. In taking this interim role, she becomes the first female Hispanic CEO of a major health care system in the region. She is also the first nurse to serve as CEO at Nebraska Medicine or any of its affiliated partners.
“The board saw in Rosanna, a strong leader with an excellent reputation for achieving results while keeping the care and safety of our patients at the forefront of all we do,” Dr. Gold said.
Morris’ appointment “is not about finding someone to hold us in place … but someone to continue that momentum, that upward trajectory,” Dr. Gold said at the forum.
Speaking Monday, Morris called Nebraska Medicine “the best institution on all levels I’ve had the opportunity to work for and serve.
“Nebraska Medicine’s legacy, history and commitment to fulfilling its mission day in and day out are through the hands of its people,” she said. “To be in a role where I represent them and help to make decisions on their behalf, so that we can continue to take care of our patients, their families and serve our community, is no small task but one that I feel privileged and honored to have accepted.”
As a national search for Nebraska Medicine’s permanent CEO begins, Morris will work closely with interim President Bradley Britigan, M.D., who also serves as dean of UNMC’s College of Medicine.
“Rosanna began making an impact at Nebraska Medicine from the moment she joined us as chief nursing officer. We are fortunate that she can undertake the important role as interim CEO as we work to unite under a single governance,” said James Linder, M.D., interim president, University of Nebraska.
“During a time of great transformation and growth, Rosanna has played a key role in efforts to integrate our organization,” Dr. Gold said. “She not only understands and believes in the objectives before us, she has been involved every step of the way in creating the roadmap for Nebraska Medicine’s future.”