New Chief Operating Officer Named for Dignity Health Memorial Hospital

Bakersfield CA – February 1, 2022 – Terri Church, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of Dignity Health Memorial Hospital, has accepted the position as Vice President, Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Memorial Hospital. Terri has been with Dignity Health since 2008, serving as Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) as well as Chief Nursing Officer for the Dignity Health Central California Division for the past two years. "Terri has long been a dedicated and inspirational leader guiding her nursing teams." Says Ken Keller, President and CEO of Memorial Hospital. "I'm exceptionally pleased that she has considered transitioning into the COO role, bringing that passion and compassion with her to lead our non-clinical departments."

Terri holds two degrees from California State University, Bakersfield, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing Administration. As CNO, Terri has helped oversee an extraordinary expansion of local health care services at Memorial Hospital, including comprehensive pediatric services, oncology, stroke, and catastrophic burn care. She has been a passionate advocate for nursing education and thoughtfully balanced the care of patients with the emotional toll it has taken on nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. "I'm ready to learn new things and take on more responsibility, and I am looking forward to this new opportunity to continue supporting the amazing work that we do here at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital." Shared Terri.

Terri has been recognized by Kern County's chapter of the Association of Nurse Leaders, the Bakersfield College Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society. She's also received the CSUB Nightingale Award for excellence in nursing, and most recently, was inducted as 2022 California State University, Bakersfield Alumni Hall of Fame.

About Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Bakersfield Memorial Hospital is a 426 bed acute care medical center offering a full range of services including the Sarvanand Heart and Brain Center, Grossman Burn Center at Memorial Hospital, expanded maternity and family care, the Lauren Small Children’s Center, orthopedic services, wound care center, 24-hour emergency care and general/outpatient surgery. Memorial Hospital is a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital and is home to the Bakersfield Ronald McDonald House. Memorial Hospital is a member of Dignity Health and is a trusted community partner, serving residents of Bakersfield and Kern County with quality, compassionate care since 1956. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/bakersfieldmemorial.

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