Katherine Howell named Chief Nurse Executive

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (Aug. 7 , 2012) — Saint Luke’s South Hospital CEO Katherine A. Howell, RN, BSN, MBA, has been appointed senior vice president and chief nurse executive for Saint Luke’s Health System.

In the newly created position, Howell will report directly to system President and CEO Melinda Estes, M.D., and will be responsible for the structure and continued advancement of nursing practice across the health system. She will assume responsibility for her new position in September and serve in both capacities until a new CEO for Saint Luke’s South Hospital is named.

“Kathy is an experienced executive,” Dr. Estes said. “Her commitment to understanding patient care and the clinical care model will serve us well as we continue to strive to provide the highest quality care to our patients in a safe and caring environment.”

Howell joined Saint Luke’s Health System in 2001 and served in various leadership roles before she was named Saint Luke’s South Hospital CEO in 2009. She previously worked at Swedish American Health System in Rockford, Ill., and St. Joseph Medical Center in Wichita. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Marymount College and a master’s in business administration from Northern Illinois University.