San Antonio, TX — Lori Townsend, MHA, BSN, CCRN-K has officially accepted the position of Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital. She will begin her new executive leadership role effective September 1.
An experienced leader, Lori has served in healthcare for the past 35 years. Since 2017, Lori supported all Perioperative Services, Women’s Services, and Children’s Services as the Chief Nursing Officer for Methodist Children’s Hospital. Prior to joining Methodist Children’s Hospital, Lori worked at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada for 26 years. During her last five years at Sunrise, Lori served as Associate Chief Nursing Officer for the children’s hospital and women’s services.
Lori brings incredible experience and compassion for people, patients, and a dedication for the nursing profession. She has a long history of leading new programs, quality improvement initiatives, and helping team members achieve their clinical and career goals. Lori was instrumental in helping Methodist Children’s Hospital achieve the Level 4 NICU and Level 4 Maternal designation for the state of Texas, which illustrates the highest level of quaternary designation for those services.
One of her many passions is ensuring all patients and families have an exceptional experience during their hospitalization. Under her leadership at Methodist Children’s Hospital, employee and physician engagement scores year-over-year improved, employee turnover decreased, and the hospital consistently received high patient and family satisfaction scores. More than her training, experience, and accomplishments, her peers admire her values and character most.
“Our team and the patients under our care mean everything to Lori,” commented Dan Miller, CEO of Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital. “Lori is one of the hardest working and most dedicated leaders I have met. She has a deep respect for the calling we have in healthcare, and our mission of serving humanity to honor God drives her actions every day. We are excited to have her transition into her new leadership role and continue her commitment to providing our patients with excellent care.”