WellSpan Health has promoted Patricia Donley, RN, DNP, NEA-A to the role of WellSpan senior vice president and chief nursing executive for the health system. In this role, Donley will oversee the integration of new models of nursing care and work to strengthen nursing innovation and research across the system, guiding key nursing initiatives to achieve sustainable advancements.

“Patty brings a focus on nursing operational excellence and continuous improvement to deliver safe, high quality and personalized care across the full spectrum of our system, from our nine hospitals to outpatient care and all of our services where nurses play such a critical role,” said Kasey Paulus, executive vice president and chief operating officer, WellSpan Health. “Her vision and tireless dedication to our care teams, as well as her active work in our communities, makes her an excellent fit for our executive team.”

Donley has been a part of WellSpan for more than three decades, starting as a candy striper volunteer assisting nurses at WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon. Over the years she rose through the ranks to most recently serving as hospital president, and system vice president. Prior to that, she served as vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer for the hospital. Donley’s leadership and commitment to nursing helped secure a generous donation from Jeanne and Ed Arnold to establish the Jeanne Donlevy Arnold Center for Nursing Innovation. The specialized center is focused on leveraging WellSpan’s innovation competency with a focus on transforming training, establishing next generation care models, leveraging AI and integrating digital technologies to support a thriving nursing workforce.

In her new role, Donley will report to Kasey Paulus, who previously held the role of chief nursing executive for the system.

To learn more about WellSpan’s leadership, visit https://www.wellspan.org/About-WellSpan/Leadership-and-Advocacy.