Susan Hernandez, DNP, MBA, RN currently serves as the Health System Chief Nurse Executive for UT Southwestern Medical Center, where she is responsible for over 5,000 clinical care team members including the nursing practice for approximately 3,500 nurses throughout two University Hospitals and over 60 ambulatory clinics.

Ms. Hernandez joined UT Southwestern in June 2014 as Chief Nursing Officer for University Hospitals, before assuming her current role as Health System Chief Nurse Executive in 2016.  During her tenure at UT Southwestern, she has led the transition of nursing from St. Paul University Hospital to William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital and has expanded the nursing education program to enhance the quality of care across all disciplines.  She also led an important external review of nursing practice by a panel of acclaimed national experts tasked with developing a plan to create a culture of nursing excellence at all sites of patient care at UT Southwestern.

Under Ms. Hernandez’s leadership, UT Southwestern achieved Magnet status in 2016.  Magnet principles align seamlessly with her leadership style.  She is passionate about the wellbeing of not only our patients, but also our staff, and advocates for the voice of the nurse through all levels of the organization.  Her commitment to developing future leaders and leading them to the next step in a long career of authentic leadership is evident within the organization and the community, as she serves as President-elect for the North Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership (NTONL).  She is known and admired for her intellect, energy, and thoughtfulness in working with her peers and colleagues.