Dear caregivers,

I’m pleased to announce that Laura Ramos has been named chief executive (CE) for Providence St. Jude Medical Center. For the past two months, Laura has been serving as interim CE after Brian Helleland transitioned as CE of the ministry to assume a regional position. Laura’s collaborative leadership style and commitment to our Mission made it abundantly clear that we did not need to search far for a new leader. Laura assumes her new role on July 5, 2021, and will report to me.

With more than 35 years of health care experience, which began as a bedside nurse at Anaheim Memorial Medical Center, Laura’s record of innovation, excellence and accomplishment is impressive. As CNO, her advocacy of shared governance, caregiver empowerment and continuous learning helped create one of the most engaged workforces within Providence. As a result, Providence St. Jude achieved Magnet® accreditation in 2016 and recertification in 2019. Under Laura’s tenure, Providence St. Jude was among the first in the nation to take an interprofessional approach to Magnet^® certification. Now a standard with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Laura realized early on that to be successful in this changing and challenging health care environment, it would take all disciplines aligned and focused to be successful.

Laura first joined Providence St. Jude in 2009 as manager of the critical care and step down units. Later she became director of cardiology, neurology and emergency services, and was named vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer in 2014. In 2020, Laura was promoted to chief operating officer where her focus on quality, affordability and the patient experience, as well as her partnership and collaboration with providers, helped earn the ministry national recognition for its stroke, orthopedics, cardiac care, neuroscience and digestive health programs, to name a few.

Equally important is Laura’s alignment with our Mission and her unwavering passion for the caregiver experience. As a result, Providence St. Jude’s culture exemplifies the Providence Promise: Know me, care for me, ease my way. Modern Healthcare named Providence St. Jude a “2020 Best Places to Work” because of its culture and work environment.

Laura is an Orange County native and Yorba Linda resident. She and husband Gene have been married 37 years. They have four adult children, two grandchildren and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their third grandchild later this year. When not working, Laura enjoys boating, water and snow skiing and especially spending time with her growing family.

We are fortunate to find such a highly qualified professional who aligns with our Mission and values within the Providence St. Jude family. Please join me in congratulating Laura on her new role.

Kevin Manemann
Chief Executive, Southern California