Silver Cross Hospital Names New Chief Nurse

Sharon Zobel, BSN, RN, takes on role of VP of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois has appointed Sharon Zobel, BSN, RN, as the new Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer. Zobel previously served as the interim CNO since July and has over 30 years of nursing and leadership experience.

Why it matters

The Chief Nursing Officer is a critical leadership role that oversees nursing operations and helps drive quality, safety, and patient experience initiatives at the hospital. Zobel's appointment signals Silver Cross' commitment to strong nursing leadership.

The details

Zobel joined Silver Cross in 2020 as a nursing manager and has previously held nursing leadership roles at other Illinois healthcare systems like Riverside Medical Center and Palos Health. As the new CNO, she will succeed Karen Gallagher, MSN, RN, who spent nearly a year in the role.

Zobel became interim CNO of the 348-bed Silver Cross Hospital in July 2025.
Zobel was officially named the permanent VP of Patient Care and CNO in February 2026.

The players

Sharon Zobel

BSN, RN, the new Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer at Silver Cross Hospital.

Karen Gallagher

MSN, RN, the previous Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Silver Cross Hospital.