Wellstar Health System is seeking a seasoned and strategic nursing executive to serve as Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center, the flagship hospital of one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated health systems. This is a pivotal leadership role reporting directly to the President of Kennestone and offers the opportunity to influence nursing practice and operational excellence at a nationally recognized organization.
Kennestone Regional Medical Center, located in Marietta, Georgia, is a 633-bed Level I Trauma Center and a cornerstone of Wellstar Health System. Kennestone is in a period of significant growth and transformation. In April 2026, the hospital will open a 303,000-square-foot tower, adding 186 private adult beds and expanding capacity to meet the needs of a growing community. This development underscores Wellstar’s commitment to innovation and patient-centered care. The CNO will be instrumental in preparing the nursing workforce and operational infrastructure to support this expansion while maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence.
Kennestone provides a full continuum of tertiary and quaternary services and is home to three distinct emergency departments: adult, pediatric, and obstetric. The hospital also operates five critical care units, including a regional ECMO program, and offers advanced clinical services across multiple specialties.
Kennestone has recently achieved Magnet® designation by the ANCC, a testament to its commitment to nursing excellence and professional practice. The CNO will play a critical role in sustaining and advancing this achievement, ensuring that Magnet principles are embedded throughout the organization. This leader will be responsible for fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation while driving performance toward top-decile outcomes in quality, safety, and patient experience.
As the flagship facility of a system employing more than 30,000 team members, Kennestone sets the standard for clinical and operational performance across Wellstar. The CNO will have the unique responsibility of modeling best practices in nursing leadership and influencing system-wide strategies for workforce engagement, recruitment, and retention. This role requires a leader who can balance strategic vision with operational execution, ensuring that nursing care aligns with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
This is more than a leadership position. It is an opportunity to shape the future of nursing practice at a nationally recognized medical center, influence system-wide performance, and make a lasting impact on the health of the communities we serve. The CNO will join a collaborative executive team during a period of growth and transformation, positioning Kennestone and Wellstar Health System for continued excellence in patient care, innovation, and workforce engagement.
We welcome nominations and expressions of interest. To learn more or confidentially discuss this opportunity, please contact us directly through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal by using the buttons below, or by sending correspondence to Kyle Wiederhold, Dan Young or Stacy Lind, preferably via email at [email protected].