Needham brings decades of leadership and executive-level experience to Island Health

||| FROM LAURA MORONEY for ISLAND HEALTH |||

Tammy Needham joins the Island Health team

Tammy Needham, MSN, BSN, BAOM, RN joined Island Health’s Senior Leadership Team as its new Chief Clinical Officer this week. Needham recently served as Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer at University of North Carolina Rockingham Hospital. Currently pursuing a doctorate degree, Needham earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Virginia College System and her bachelor’s from University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management from Ashford University’s Forbes School of Business. Needham holds a Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma and is passionate about building strong teams to deliver exceptional patient care.

After an extensive search, Needham was selected for her 34 years of healthcare experience in both large and small hospitals. Island Health Chief Executive Officer Elise Cutter said Needham’s human-centered leadership fits perfectly with the organization’s purpose and values.

“She brings strong experience in team building, strategic planning and execution, and identifying and improving quality in all facets of the hospital,” Cutter said. “And I want to especially thank Vicki White, MSB, BSN, CNS, RN, who has been leading the team as our interim CCO and has contributed so much during her time.”

White will remain until the end of December to help with the transition. As CCO, Needham will complete the Senior Leadership Team which includes:

•   Chief Executive Officer Elise Cutter, MBA

•   Chief Medical Officer Jason Hogge, MD

•   Chief Financial Officer Julie Norton Stewart, MBA

Needham was impressed with the IH team and is looking forward to moving to Anacortes where she will be closer to her daughter who lives nearby.