CNOs should pay attention to these nurse leaders in 2026.
New nurse leadership flourished in 2025.
This year, HealthLeaders spoke to several new CNOs, CNEs, and other nurse leaders for the Exec. Each leader shared their insights on the hottest trends and challenges in nursing, and left pieces of advice for their peers. As all of them thrive in their positions, they will continue to grow in their leadership and have great impacts on the industry.
Here are seven nurse leaders that you should watch in 2026.
Click below to view each executive's full interview.
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Betty Jo Rocchio, CNE at Advocate Health
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Claire Zangerle, CEO of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), and senior vice president and CNE of the American Hospital Association (AHA)
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Terry Dillman, VP and CNO at Plainview Hospital and Syosset Hospital, Northwell Health
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Amanda Shrout, VP of patient care services and CNO at Sinai Hospital & Grace Medical Center, LifeBridge Health
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Jeff Alvarez, CNO at UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene
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Linsey Paul, CNO at Mercy Health Lima Market
G Hatfield is the CNO editor for HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
This year, HealthLeaders spoke to several new CNOs, CNEs, and other nurse leaders who shared their insights on the hottest trends and challenges in nursing, and left pieces of advice for their peers.