WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Novant Health has named Michael Vaccaro as senior vice president and chief nursing and clinical operations officer. In this role, he will oversee nursing operations for the health system with a continued focus on safety, quality and delivering remarkable patient experiences.
Vaccaro has 25 years of nursing experience, including 18 years at Novant Health. He most recently served as chief nursing officer for the system’s greater Charlotte region, where he was instrumental in developing strategies to meet the rapidly evolving needs of nurses in healthcare, and guiding nursing operations with steadfast commitment to patient safety, quality outcomes and operational excellence.
“Michael’s leadership has strengthened clinical performance, advanced key quality initiatives, and supported the professional development and well-being of our clinical nursing teams, empowering them to deliver exceptional care,” said John Gizdic, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Novant Health. “We welcome his continued trusted guidance as a champion for nurses and a steward of remarkable care in our communities.”
Prior to his role as chief nursing officer for the Charlotte region, Vaccaro spent seven years as the senior director of nursing for Women’s and Children’s Services at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.
“Being a nurse is an honor rooted in trust, responsibility and an awe-inspiring commitment to caring for others,” said Vaccaro. “To be able to continue partnering with and supporting the extraordinary nurses across Novant Health in this capacity is truly a privilege. Through our work to empower one another and courageously innovate, we can continue creating remarkable outcomes for our team members, patients and communities and build a healthier future.”
Vaccaro holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and dual master’s degrees in healthcare administration and business administration from Pfeiffer University. He is certified in executive nursing practice through the American Organization of Nurse Executives and earned a doctorate in nursing practice from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
He is deeply engaged in the Charlotte community, serving on several advisory boards and councils focused on healthcare and nursing education, including the North Carolina Nurses Association Board. He is also a member of the board of directors for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte.
Vaccaro succeeds Denise Mihal, who retired this month after serving as chief nursing officer for nearly 10 years.
About Novant Health
Novant Health is an integrated network of nearly 900 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 750 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks. The expertise and empathy of our more than 41,000 team members along with more than 8,600 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2024, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.
For more information, visit NovantHealth.org. Follow Novant Health on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.
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