Penn State Health names COO for Hampden and Holy Spirit medical centers

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Penn State Health has named the chief nursing officer for Penn State Health Hampden Medical Center and Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center as COO of both hospitals. 

Leslyn Williamson will continue to serve as chief nursing officer for both hospitals, Penn State Health said. 

Williamson will have clinical and operational oversight and be responsible for managing relationships with some health system-wide services including information services, security and facilities, as well as maintaining accountability for the medical centers’ food, environmental and valet vendors. 

“Leslyn is an experienced nursing and operations executive. She has successfully led the integration of nursing leadership, education, policy and practice since joining Penn State Health in 2022,” said Kyle Snyder, president, Penn State Health’s Hampden and Holy Spirit medical centers. “Her experience driving year-over-year improvements in recruitment and retention, leading key partnerships and ensuring top-tier quality and patient safety initiatives strongly aligns with Penn State Health’s strategic priorities so we can meet the health care needs of the communities we serve.” 

Prior to joining the health system, Williamson was the COO and chief nursing officer for Ellis Hospital, a 438-bed community hospital in Schenectady, New York, that is part of Ellis Medicine System.  

Penn State Health said she provided strategic and operational leadership for clinical and nonclinical departments, physician relations and support services, with a focus on process improvement and patient satisfaction. She also oversaw the skilled nursing facility and its home care division. 

Williamson also served as vice president of Patient Care Services at New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System and Montefiore Health System. 

A board-certified, advanced nurse executive, Williamson is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She has completed The Academy for Healthcare Leadership Advancement, a Cornell University certificate program, and the Wharton Nursing Leadership Education Program. 

In addition to earning a doctorate in nursing practice at Rutgers University, Rutgers, New Jersey, Williamson has completed a master’s degree in nursing administration at Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York, and a master’s degree in public health, health policy and management at New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York.  

She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing at State University of New York at New Paltz.