NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst Appoints New Chief Nursing Officer

Devon Bennett to oversee 1,800 staff and drive hospital toward Leapfrog 'A' and Magnet status

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, one of the largest hospitals in New York City, has appointed Devon Bennett, MSN, RN, as its new Chief Nursing Officer. In his role, Bennett will oversee more than 1,800 nursing and ancillary staff and aims to help the hospital achieve Leapfrog 'A' and Magnet status within three years.

Why it matters

Elmhurst Hospital is a critical healthcare provider in the New York City area, and the appointment of a new Chief Nursing Officer signals the hospital's commitment to improving patient care, staff engagement, and nursing excellence. Achieving Leapfrog 'A' and Magnet status would further cement Elmhurst's reputation as a leading healthcare institution.

The details

Bennett joins Elmhurst Hospital from SUNY Downstate Medical Center, where he served as Associate Chief Nursing Officer. Prior to that, he was Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he led over 750 nursing professionals through the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Bennett's appointment as Chief Nursing Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst is effective as of February 2, 2026.

The players

Devon Bennett

The new Chief Nursing Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, with over 20 years of nursing leadership experience.

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst

One of the largest hospitals in New York City, with 545 inpatient beds, that has appointed Bennett as its new Chief Nursing Officer.

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What they’re saying

“I aim to help the hospital achieve Leapfrog 'A' and Magnet status within three years, emphasizing a collaborative, people-centered leadership approach focused on empowering nurses, strengthening team engagement and prioritizing patient-centered care.”

— Devon Bennett, Chief Nursing Officer (beckershospitalreview.com)

What’s next

Bennett will work closely with hospital leadership to implement strategies to achieve Leapfrog 'A' and Magnet status for Elmhurst Hospital over the next three years.

The takeaway

The appointment of an experienced nursing leader like Devon Bennett signals Elmhurst Hospital's commitment to nursing excellence and improving patient outcomes through empowered, engaged nursing staff and a focus on quality and safety measures.