Kirby Bates Associates Retained by Island Health for Chief Nursing Officer Search
February 20, 2025 – As the healthcare sector continues to expand and reshape itself, vanguard organizations in the field are looking to bolster their leadership ranks. In demand: multi-skilled executives, physician leaders, and nurses who can effect change on many levels. Of the four major C-suite roles in the typical hospital, the chief nursing officer has traditionally been the most difficult to secure, according to recruiters.
Orlando, FL-headquartered healthcare-focused search firm Kirby Bates Associates was recently selected by Island Health to lead in its search for a chief nursing officer. Leading the assignment are Livonne Engebrecht, senior executive recruiter, and Peggy Loughery, senior vice president – executive search. As a member of the senior leadership team, the CNO will oversee all hospital-based clinical departments, ensure high-quality patient care and optimal patient outcomes, as well as the achievement of strategic goals. The CNO, in collaboration with the team, will participate in the development of the organization’s strategic plan, ensure regulatory compliance, professional development of staff/leaders, monitor clinical performance, lead quality improvement initiatives, and act as a community leader and representative of Island Health.
For this position, a bachelor’s degree in nursing is required, while a master’s degree in nursing, leadership, healthcare administration, or a related field is strongly preferred. The ideal candidate should have ten years of nursing experience, including five years in progressive leadership roles. Experience working in a union environment is essential, and eligibility for RN licensure in Washington state is required. The candidate should be a forward-thinking leader with a strong understanding of healthcare regulations, quality improvement methodologies, and clinical operations.
Island Health, a public hospital district, is located in the coastal town of Anacortes, WA. With 43 licensed beds, it is the closest acute care hospital to many San Juan Island residents and tourists, serving Fidalgo, Cypress, Guemes, and Sinclair islands, as well as Whidbey Island and La Conner. Island Health operates primary care clinics in Anacortes and Orcas Islands to serve patients across Skagit, Island, and San Juan counties.
Nurse Entrepreneurs
Founded in 1988 as Bates & Associates by two leading nurse entrepreneurs, Kirby Bates Associates has been continuously owned and operated by nursing executives. The firm offers portfolio of leadership services including interim leadership, executive search, leadership coaching and operations consulting. Melissa Fitzpatrick was named president of Kirby Bates in 2020. In 2017, the company became part of the Jackson Healthcare family of companies.
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Ms. Engebrecht brings more than 20 years of healthcare executive recruitment experience, having worked in two other specialty search firms before joining the firm. As a talent acquisition specialist, she partners with healthcare leaders to learn about their career trajectory and future professional goals, as they explore the next step in their career. She also strives to fully comprehend the needs of clients in order to meet the recruitment needs of the organizations Kirby Bates Associates serves.
Since joining Kirby Bates Associates in 2005, Ms. Loughery has conducted more than 300 executive and senior leadership searches for prominent healthcare organizations across the country. Her skills include also include candidate development.
Recent Work
Kirby Bates Associates recently placed Troy Keach as the new chief operating officer of South Denver Gastroenterology, P.C. Leading the assignment were Ms. Engebrecht and Mr. Keach, who is Kirby Bates’ vice president search services. Mr. Keach brings more than 20 years experience to his role. His healthcare career started at Mayo Clinic where he supported a for-profit division of Mayo Clinic with a focus on the East Coast. Since then, Mr. Keach’s diverse executive experience includes hospital and clinic operations, mergers and acquisitions, and academic healthcare systems. A seasoned healthcare executive, with several years in the private equity industry, he has served as president of Minnesota Eye Consultants, CEO for Surgical Care Affiliates in Minnesota, chief operating officer for FirstLight Health System, and president and CEO of a medical supply and equipment company.
South Denver Gastroenterology is a full-service practice and the region’s leader in delivering comprehensive, compassionate gastroenterology care. The organization’s gastroenterologists are highly trained experts who provide innovation and the latest technologies to their patients.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
