VCU Health System Chief Nursing Officer Elected to American Hospital Association Governing Council

By Cheryle Rodriguez

Deborah Zimmermann, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services for the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, has been elected to serve on the American Hospital Association’s Governing Council of the Section for Maternal and Child Health. Zimmermann will serve a three-year term, which began Jan. 1.

Zimmermann is one of 15 individuals on the council, which includes health care leadership from some of the country’s leading women’s and children’s health providers. Council members advise the American Hospital Association on public policy issues, advocacy positions and best practices in the field related to health reform implementation and quality and patient safety.

Zimmermann has worked at the VCU Health System since 2009. Prior to joining VCU, she served as chief nursing officer and senior vice president of patient care services at Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, N.Y.  

Zimmermann serves as vice chair of the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Commission. As part of the commission, she participated in the redesign of the national standards for magnet designation that recognizes health care organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice.

Additionally, Zimmermann serves on the Executive Leadership Committee for the American Heart Association Richmond Heart Walk, as a board member for the Virginia Organization of Nurse Executives and as chair for the Virginia Action Coalition-Education Progression Committee.