University Medical Center New Orleans (UMC) announced additions to its leadership team.
John R. Nickens, IV has been appointed as the chief executive officer (CEO) of UMC. Nickens, who demonstrated exemplary leadership as the interim CEO for UMC, transitioned into the permanent role after just one month. Nickens will continue to serve as the president of the LCMC Health Hospital Services. In this dual capacity, he will oversee academic facilities, including Children's Hospital New Orleans and East Jefferson General Hospital, fostering collaboration and service excellence within the broader health system. Prior to his current role, Nickens spent five years as CEO of Children’s Hospital New Orleans.
Allison Guste has been named the chief nursing officer (CNO) of UMC. Guste, also the LCMC Health vice president of Nursing and Clinical Services, will serve in a dual role. In a brief stint of serving as interim CNO of UMC, Guste established critical processes and built lasting relationships with UMC nurses, leaders, and the extended team. She began her LCMC Health career as an Emergency Department nurse tech at Touro more than 18 years ago before transitioning to the outpatient cardiology clinic.
Tom Patrias is the newly appointed chief operating officer (COO) of UMC. Patrias, with a distinguished track record as the CEO of Tulane Medical Center and Lakeside Hospital, brings vast leadership experience to the role.
C.J. Marbley, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer at New Orleans East Hospital (NOEH), will expand his role to serve as the vice president of Nursing Services at UMC. At NOEH, Marbley oversees nursing, ancillary services, hospital operations, and leads outreach efforts in connecting the hospital with the New Orleans East community and the city.
“As a system, LCMC Health continuously evolves to better meet the needs of our patients,” said Greg Feirn, CEO of LCMC Health. “I am proud of the cohesive leadership team we’ve built to guide University Medical Center towards operational excellence and dedicated service to our community. With strong leaders driving positive change, we will continue integrating hospital services to enhance the experiences of our patients.”