Leah Blackwell named UF Health Shands Chief Nursing Officer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — UF Health has named Leah Blackwell, M.S.N., M.B.A., R.N., NEA-BC, FAONL, as the new vice president of Nursing and Patient Services and chief nursing officer at UF Health Shands. She will be stepping into the role as Irene Alexaitis, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, prepares to retire after more than 35 years of outstanding service. Blackwell starts the job on Sept. 8.

Blackwell brings more than 18 years of nursing and health care leadership experience. She’s known for her strong focus on patient-centered care, clinical excellence and building high-performing teams. Her work has consistently improved care quality and supported nursing teams in delivering their best.

Her career has spanned a wide range of roles — from exercise physiologist to cardiac care nurse, and steadily advancing through leadership positions including clinical manager, patient care director, and most recently, vice president and chief nursing officer at Memorial Hermann Hospital – Texas Medical Center.

“We are excited to have someone with Leah’s experience and commitment to patient care join our leadership team,” said Michael D. Holmes, M.S.A., UF Health senior vice president and

Greater Gainesville regional president. “Leah’s education and professional training have equipped her with the tools to lead with insight, collaboration and compassion.”

Blackwell holds dual master’s degrees — a Master of Nursing in Administration and a Master of Business Administration — from the University of Texas at Tyler, graduating with magna cum laude honors. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University – College Station, graduating summa cum laude.

“Leah is passionate about supporting nurses and care teams, building trust and creating environments where people feel empowered to do their best work,” Holmes said. “We know she’ll be a strong and inspiring addition to our leadership team.”

She is board-certified as a Nurse Executive Advanced and is actively involved in professional development, having completed the GE Healthcare Management Academy CNO fellowship. She was given the elite designation of Fellow this year by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership and is a longtime advocate for reducing workplace violence.