St. Luke's Health Names Chief Nursing Officer

St. Luke’s Health has named Lorie Shoemaker, DHA, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, as its Chief Nursing Officer, effective September 28, 2015. In this role, she will work directly with the three CHI markets included in Texas: St. Luke’s Health in Houston, St. Luke’s Health Memorial in Lufkin and Livingston, and St. Joseph Health System in Bryan/College Station. Shoemaker joins CHI from Palomar Health, where for more than 28 years she fulfilled progressive management positions—most recently promoted to System Vice President of Palomar Medical Center from her role as Chief Nursing Executive for the system, which she held for 10 years.

“Lorie is a tireless leader and mentor. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Lorie at Palomar, where I saw first-hand the level of dedication she brings to her work each day,” said Michael H. Covert, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, St. Luke’s Health. “Lorie’s experience as a clinical nurse, coupled with her vast leadership skills, will be instrumental in strengthening our nursing component from a Division level. I have great confidence that she will be an exceptional addition to our team.”

Shoemaker will work closely with Stephen Moore, MD, St. Luke’s Health Chief Medical Officer, in a dyad leadership approach—joining the medical staff and nursing teams together to align the organization for future success.

"We're excited to welcome Lorie to CHI. She brings extensive experience and expertise to enhance clinical practice in both Texas and the larger CHI community,” adds Kathy Sanford, DBA, RN, CENP, FACHE, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, Catholic Health Initiatives. “The entire CHI Nurse Executive Council is looking forward to working with her as our newest Division CNO."

Shoemaker has held numerous board and council appointments, including co-chairing the VHA West Coast Nursing Officer Council. In recognition of her outstanding leadership, Lorie received the Steven S. Tanaka Renaissance Award in 2013, for transformational leadership and innovation; and the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Association of California Nurse Leaders in 2007.

“It’s an exciting time for St. Luke’s Health in Texas,” said Shoemaker. “I look forward to building upon our mission to create healthier communities with a team that is dedicated to clinical excellence and high-quality patient care.”

Shoemaker earned a Doctorate of Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina, and is a graduate of the Wharton Fellows Program in Management for Nurse Executives.