Regional One Health recently filled two positions and expanded the roles of other members on the senior leadership team.
Nikia Bell has joined Regional One Health as vice president of operations. In this role, Bell leads multiple operational and clinical areas throughout the system. Her responsibilities include laboratory services, food and nutrition services, environmental services, laundry, transportation, the subacute unit and clinical support departments including respiratory therapy and dialysis.
Bell has served in health care leadership roles for more than 10 years including experience in hospitals and physician practices. Most recently she served as the vice president of operations for a Hospital Corporation of America facility in Arlington, Texas. Prior to her time in the Dallas area, she held leadership positions in Community Health Systems’ facilities in Oklahoma.
Bell earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a master’s degree in health care administration from the University of Texas. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Lisa Cox Schafer, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, has been named chief operating officer (COO) and chief nursing officer (CNO). Schafer has served as CNO since joining Regional One Health in 2016. Schafer has taken on additional responsibilities in her role as COO. Schafer now has oversight of nursing, perioperative services and pharmacy in addition to both clinical and non-clinical operations.
Schafer has worked in nursing management and leadership roles for more than 30 years in academic medical centers and community hospitals. Prior to joining Regional One Health, she served as the vice president and chief nursing and operation executive for Scripps Health System in San Diego, California. In addition to her experience in health systems, Schafer has also taught nursing students and worked as a coach for the Studer Group.
The fulfillment of the vice president of operations and chief operating officer positions, along with shifting of other executive roles, allows Regional One Health to adjust focus areas among the executive staff to accelerate improvements and growth within the system while focusing efforts on initiatives to improve the health of this community. The other changes include the expansion of roles and the naming of Tish Towns as senior vice president and chief administrative officer; Bret Perisho as senior vice president business development/chief strategy officer; Tammie Ritchey as senior vice president and chief development officer; and Susan Cooper as senior vice president and chief integration officer.