E. Kate Valcin is the Chief Nursing Executive for UR Medicine and Chief Nursing Officer for Strong Memorial Hospital. She is also the Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs and an Associate Professor at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, where she recently taught in the Clinical Nurse Leader and Leadership in Healthcare Systems graduate programs. A dedicated educator, Kate frequently serves as a preceptor and mentor for students at all stages of professional development.

Kate’s career has been marked by progressive leadership roles in critical care, including Assistant Nurse Manager and Nurse Manager of the Medical ICU, and Director of Adult Critical Care Nursing. Her role and mission are centered on two core commitments: keeping patients safe and keeping staff engaged. She tirelessly advocates for healthy work environments and leads efforts to reduce hospital-acquired conditions by working closely with frontline teams.

Academically, Kate earned her undergraduate degree from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Master’s in Nursing with a concentration in education from Duke University. She later completed a post-master’s certificate as a Clinical Nurse Leader and earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the University of Rochester. In recognition of her contributions to critical care nursing, she has been inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Critical Care Medicine.

Kate is deeply committed to advancing nursing leadership. As the current President of the New York Organization for Nursing Leadership, she advocates for the voice of nurses at every level—from the bedside to the boardroom. She also serves on the Board of Directors of Friends of Haiti Providence University, supporting the development of future leaders in Haiti through education, including in the field of nursing.