23 Recent CMO and CNO Appointments Announced

Dozens of hospitals and health systems have appointed new clinical executives over the past month.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Becker's Hospital Review has covered 23 recent chief medical officer (CMO) and chief nursing officer (CNO) appointments at hospitals and health systems across the United States since January 29th. The appointments span various regions, including New York, Virginia, Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Washington, Missouri, and North Carolina.

Why it matters

These leadership changes in clinical roles reflect the ongoing evolution and challenges facing the healthcare industry, as hospitals and health systems work to strengthen their clinical teams and adapt to changing patient needs and care delivery models.

The details

The appointments include Christopher Wilson as CNO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, Reid Adams, MD, as inaugural CMO of UVA Health, Augusto 'Gus' Sepulveda, MD, as CMO of St. Luke's Health's Houston market, and Carolyn Leja, DNP, RN, and Nicholas Strait, DNP, RN, as CNOs for Trinity Health's Michigan hospitals. The new clinical leaders bring a range of experience and expertise to their roles.

  • The appointments covered by Becker's have occurred since January 29, 2026.

The players

Christopher Wilson

MSN, RN, was named chief nursing officer of New York City-based NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue.

Reid Adams

MD, was named to serve as inaugural chief medical officer of Charlottesville, Va.-based UVA Health.

Augusto 'Gus' Sepulveda

MD, was named chief medical officer of the Houston market and Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center for Houston-based St. Luke's Health, which is part of Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health.

Carolyn Leja

DNP, RN, was appointed chief nurse of Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Nicholas Strait

DNP, RN, will serve as CNO of Trinity Health Muskegon, Shelby and Grand Haven hospitals.

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The takeaway

These clinical leadership changes underscore the ongoing efforts by hospitals and health systems to strengthen their medical and nursing teams in order to provide high-quality, patient-centered care and navigate the evolving healthcare landscape.