Mylissa Hess, DNP, a visionary nurse leader and healthcare executive with more than 20 years of progressive clinical and leadership experience, has been named Chief Nursing Officer of Central Carolina Hospital effective Monday, Jan. 26.

A native of Decatur, IN, Dr. Hess brings a disciplined, mission-driven leadership style grounded in service, resilience and operational excellence. For the past 10 years, she has served as a critical care nurse in the United States Navy Nurse Corps, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

During that time, she served as Market Chief Nursing Officer for SageWest HealthCare in Lander and Riverton, WY, in 2024-25, as Chief Nursing Officer for Roosevelt General Hospital in Portales, NM, in 2022-24, as ICU Patient Care Manager at Thedacare Regional Medical Center in Neenah, WI, in 2020-21, and as Inpatient Services Nursing Director for Adams Memorial Hospital in Decatur, IN, from 2017 to 2020.

Prior to that, Dr. Hess worked as a critical care nurse at the Veterans Administration Healthcare in Fort Wayne, IN, and as an ICU nurse at Adamas Memorial Hospital. She also served as a paramedic/training officer for Three Rivers Ambulance Authority in Fort Wayne, IN.

“We are confident that Mylissa’s experience and leadership will be a tremendous asset to our clinical teams and patients,” said Dave Santoemma, CEO of CCH. “We look forward to the positive impact she will make in partnership with our medical staff and leadership teams.”

As a Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Hess has driven measurable results, including significant reductions in hospital-acquired conditions, improved patient satisfaction, optimized staffing models and enhanced throughput across inpatient and surgical services. She has successfully guided organizations through Joint Commission, Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) and other accreditation surveys, consistently achieving strong outcomes through evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and a culture of accountability.

Dr. Hess earned her Paramedicine Associate in Science degree from Ivy Tech Community College in Fort Wayne, IN, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and her Master of Healthcare Administration degree from the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne, IN. She received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN.

She has been nationally recognized for her contributions to nursing leadership and patient care quality, including being named one of Today’s Nurse 2025 Top Chief Nursing Officers.

Outside of work, Dr. Hess enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and camping with her doodles, traveling with family and friends, and relaxing with creative hobbies such as crocheting.