Penn State Health appoints Leslyn Williamson chief operating officer for Hampden and Holy Spirit medical centers

Leslyn Williamson has been named chief operating officer for Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center and Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center. She will continue to be the chief nursing officer for both hospitals as well.

In this expanded role, Leslyn will have oversight of Imaging, Lab, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, Patient Experience, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy and Respiratory Therapy at both hospitals. She will also be responsible for managing key shared service relationships with Facilities, Information Services and Security and will maintain accountability for our relationship with Sodexo for Food, Environmental and Valet services.

“Leslyn is an experienced nursing and operations executive. She has successfully led the integration of nursing leadership, education, policy and practice since joining Penn State Health in 2022,” said Kyle Snyder, president, Penn State Health Hampden and Holy Spirit medical centers. “Her experience driving year-over-year improvements in recruitment and retention, leading key partnerships and ensuring top-tier quality and patient safety initiatives strongly aligns with Penn State Health’s strategic priorities so we can meet the health care needs of the communities we serve.”

Prior to joining the health system, Williamson was the chief operating officer and chief nursing officer for Ellis Hospital, a 438-bed complex specialized community hospital in Schenectady, New York, that is part of Ellis Medicine System. She provided strategic and operational leadership for clinical and nonclinical departments, physician relations and support services, with a focus on process improvement and patient satisfaction. She also oversaw the skilled nursing facility and its home care division.

Additionally, Williamson served as vice president of Patient Care Services at New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System and Montefiore Health System.

A board-certified, advanced nurse executive, Williamson is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She has completed The Academy for Healthcare Leadership Advancement, a Cornell University certificate program, and the Wharton Nursing Leadership Education Program.

In addition to earning a doctorate in nursing practice at Rutgers University, Rutgers, New Jersey, Williamson has completed a master’s degree in nursing administration at Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York, and a master’s degree in public health, health policy and management, at New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing at State University of New York at New Paltz.

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