TACOMA, Wash, — Caren Lewis, RN, BSN, has been named chief nursing officer of MultiCare Health System.

Lewis joins MultiCare from SSM Health in Wisconsin, where she served as regional vice president of patient care and chief nursing officer. She oversaw nursing operations at seven acute care hospitals and approximately 100 ambulatory sites.

At MultiCare, Lewis will be responsible for enhancing the nursing culture across the organization’s hospitals and clinics. She’ll work to develop and implement strategies that align with MultiCare’s efforts to optimize clinical and operational excellence. Lewis also plans to hold listening sessions to get to know the workforce and ensure MultiCare celebrates an environment that values informed nursing practices.

“Caren is a collaborative, transparent leader who focuses on strengthening engagement and professional growth of her nursing teams,” said Todd Czartoski, MD, executive vice president and chief clinical enterprise and care delivery officer at MultiCare. “She believes in open communication and evidence-based practices in advancing nursing excellence and patient care. Caren’s expertise will build on our work to improve patient outcomes and enhance our staff experience.”

Prior to SSM Health, Lewis served in senior leadership positions at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, Westerly Hospital (part of Yale New Haven Health) and Medstar Washington Hospital Center. In addition to her nursing degrees, she has a Master of Science in Health Administration from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, and she’s a board-certified nurse executive.

“MultiCare has been serving patients in Washington state for more than 100 years, and I’m looking forward to building on that legacy,” said Lewis. “Health care is evolving at a rapid pace with new technologies coming on board every day. My goal is to ensure that we provide a workplace for nurses to grow and thrive, while at the same time providing the highest quality and most compassionate care for our patients.”