DURHAM, N.C. – Terry McDonnell has been named chief nurse executive for Duke University Health System. She will work closely with chief nursing officers and other system leaders to increase a sense of purpose among frontline clinical teams and ensure patients receive world-class care.

McDonnell has a doctorate in nursing and is an Acute Care-Certified Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Most recently, she served as the vice president of clinical operations and chief nursing officer of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, Wash., where she was responsible for the oversight of clinical and professional staff to ensure they delivered patient-centric care.

She is a clinical associate of medicine at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine and has previously served as a clinical preceptor at Harvard Medical School and the MGH Institute of Health Professions.

Prior to joining Fred Hutch, McDonnell practiced at Partners Health Care, now Mass General Brigham. She held two simultaneous roles, director of Cancer Center Clinical Services and acute care nurse practitioner caring for GI oncology patients. She has been recognized with several awards, including the National Pancreas Foundation Compassionate Caregiver Award, which honors health care professionals for their dedication to patients and families.

“Terry is an accomplished health care leader known for empowering her teams to work toward a shared mission with a focus on collaboration and compassionate patient care,” said Thomas Owens, M.D., executive vice president and chief operating officer of DUHS. “She has a demonstrated track record of attracting, recruiting, and mentoring high performing leaders and nursing teams, with a focus on strong employee engagement and creating a sense of belonging.”

McDonnell will assume the position from Priscilla Ramseur on Sept. 5. Ramseur has been serving as the interim leader.