Regions Hospital welcomes back a familiar face today. Rochelle Johnson begins her tenure as chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at the hospital where she spent more than five years as director of nursing in its birth center. She’s known by colleagues for being an inclusive and collaborative leader and a champion for a positive workplace culture.

“Rochelle is an outstanding leader with more than 17 years of health care experience with a focus on delivering high-quality, equitable care, service and experience,” Regions Hospital President Megan Remark said. “She brings a track record of community partnership and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We’re thrilled to welcome her back to Regions.”

Johnson received bachelor’s degrees in nursing and international relations from Bethel University and Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Nursing and nursing leadership in healthcare systems degrees from Grand Canyon University. Most recently, Johnson served as system director of nursing and health informatics at Allina Health.

“Our teams are ready for the next step in health care. I’ll work to build a future grounded in professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration and a focus on health equity,” Johnson said. “These have been the cornerstones of my professional practice, and I know they’re the keys to our success – success that ensures every patient, family and caregiver are supported to reach their highest level of health and purpose.”

Johnson succeeds longtime Regions chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services Chris Boese, who began her nursing career at then-St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center in 1988 and retired in December.