Kate Valcin Named URMC Chief Nursing Executive
After a nationwide search, E. Katherine Valcin has been named the University of Rochester Medical Center’s (URMC) chief nursing executive and chief nursing officer of Strong Memorial Hospital.
“Kate’s extensive experience in nursing, hospital operations, and education and mentorship will be instrumental in propelling URMC forward,” said Kathy Parrinello, CEO of Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals. “Her outstanding performance in the interim role and engagement with the URMC nursing team, coupled with her extensive experience—both within Strong Memorial and across the nursing and healthcare professions more broadly—position her perfectly to lead our nursing teams.”
Valcin is also a preceptor and educator at the School of Nursing. In 2023, she received national recognition as a Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine, an honor typically bestowed upon physicians. She is also the current president of the New York Organization for Nursing Leadership (NYONL).
“The search committee reviewed a variety of strong candidates for this position. Kate stood out as a leader with experience and knowledge that will help URMC grow as it addresses the opportunities and challenges of today’s healthcare environment,” said Lisa Kitko, dean of the School of Nursing, who led the search committee. “Her experience in the academic medical setting, collaborative style, support for nurses, and focus on education make her a great leadership partner for the School of Nursing.”
In her new role, Kate will oversee all nursing operations at URMC, convene system-wide chief nursing officers in information sharing, and strengthen collaboration across disciplines. She will also serve as assistant dean of clinical practice in the School of Nursing, continuing to bridge clinical care and education.
“Nurses and physicians work hand-in-hand every day at every level of our organization. I’m excited to have such a great partner and longtime associate assuming this role so we can strengthen our collaboration at the executive level,” said Michael Apostolakos, MD, chief medical officer of URMC. “Kate is a passionate advocate and leader and will further our efforts to create a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment for our nursing colleagues.”
“Kate has so much credibility with our nursing staff because she leads by example. She has gained the confidence of our clinical community and she is a fierce advocate for our nurses and patients,” said David Linehan, MD, URMC CEO and dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry. “I am confident that Kate will uphold URMC’s longstanding tradition of nursing excellence and play a key role in ensuring consistent high-quality care for all those that we serve.”
Valcin completed her undergraduate studies at Roberts Wesleyan College, then pursued her master’s in nursing with a concentration in education at Duke University. This was followed by a post master’s certificate focused on clinical nurse leadership from the University of Rochester, and then a doctorate in nursing practice from the School of Nursing.
“I am incredibly proud of the URMC nursing team and all they have accomplished, particularly through the challenges our profession faced in recent years,” said Valcin. “As we look to the future, I aim to build on this strong foundation by advancing nursing practice and creating a supportive and empowering environment for our staff. Together, we will enhance patient care, while preparing the next generation of nurse leaders to address the growing complexities of healthcare.”