Emory University Hospital Welcomes New Chief Nursing Officer

Emory University Hospital has appointed Robert (Rob) Boesch, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, as the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), following a nationwide search. Boesch, known for his dynamic and passionate leadership, is set to assume his new role on Feb. 5, 2024.

In addition to overseeing nursing practice at Emory University Hospital, Boesch will also serve as CNO for Emory University Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital, Emory University Hospital at Wesley Woods, and Emory University Hospital at Smyrna—hospitals falling under the Emory University Hospital operating unit umbrella.

Sharon Pappas, Chief Nurse Executive for Emory Healthcare, expressed excitement about Boesch’s appointment, highlighting his commitment to engaging and supporting the nursing team in delivering high-quality patient-centered care.

Boesch brings a wealth of experience from his role as CNO at Centra Health in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he managed Lynchburg General Hospital and Virginia Baptist Hospital. Prior to this, he spent 13 years at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, holding key leadership positions.

Matt Wain, President of the Emory Healthcare University Hospital Division, emphasized Boesch’s instrumental role in leading the nursing workforce, given his extensive background in nursing leadership and clinical care.

Boesch holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Catholic University of America and earned both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Penn State University.

Expressing honor and excitement about joining Emory Healthcare, Boesch highlighted the institution’s rich legacy and expressed eagerness to collaborate with the dedicated professionals in advancing the mission of improving health globally.

In his broader involvement in the nursing community, Boesch is associated with the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) and serves as the president-elect of the Virginia Organization of Nurse Leaders (VONL).

Boesch succeeds Nancye Feistritzer, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, in the Emory University Hospital CNO role. Feistritzer assumed the position of Vice President of the Center for Care Delivery and Innovation at Emory Healthcare in June of the current year.