HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center welcomes new chief nursing officer, Heather Ash
HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Heather Ash, MSN, RN, as its new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), effective January 18, 2026. Ash brings more than 19 years of nursing leadership experience to the role, with a demonstrated record of designing and advancing patient care initiatives, ensuring operational excellence, and driving nursing engagement.
Throughout her career, Ash has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Most recently, she served as Associate Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, where she led initiatives that strengthened patient care operations while advancing the organization’s mission and values.
Ash is recognized for her focus on patient experience, nurse leader rounding, and executive sponsorship of interdisciplinary councils and safety initiatives. She is also passionate about mentoring nurse leaders, fostering professional development, and supporting career growth across nursing teams.
Ash earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Petersburg College in Florida and her Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management from Western Governors University. She is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the American Nurses Association.
Robert Sabina, Chief Executive Officer of HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center, shared his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating, “We are excited to welcome Heather Ash as our new Chief Nursing Officer. Over the course of her career, Heather’s leadership and dedication to patient-centered care align explicitly with our mission. Heather’s experience and commitment to visible executive nursing leadership will strengthen our ability to deliver outstanding care and foster meaningful connections between our nursing teams and patients. We look forward to the positive impact her passion will bring to our organization and the communities we serve.”
As Chief Nursing Officer, Ash will play a critical role in driving nursing excellence, advancing patient experience, and supporting the strategic goals of HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center. Her appointment reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional healthcare and improving the well-being of the communities it serves.