Episcopal Health Services Appoints Chief Social Impact Officer

Far Rockaway, New York, December 10, 2024 — Episcopal Health Services (EHS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Vanessa Nazario, MBA, as Chief Social Impact Officer. In this role, Ms. Nazario will be responsible for leading and overseeing all social impact initiatives, strategies, and activities inclusive of health equity and belonging, ensuring the organization operates with a strong focus on positive social change for patients, team members and community engagement.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Nazario to the EHS leadership team,” said Donald T. Morrish, MD, MMM, EHS Chief Executive Officer. “Her expertise and vision will be instrumental in driving our health equity strategy and fostering an environment where every patient and team member feels safe, respected and valued. We look forward to the meaningful impact she will have on our organization and the communities we serve.”

“EHS is committed to building a future that is more equitable and inclusive for all,” said Sharika Gordon, Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer. “Vanessa’s track record of leadership experience, characterized by innovation and inclusion, will be instrumental in furthering our vision and makes her a strong partner in guiding the next chapter of our efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system.”

Ms. Nazario has more than two decades of experience working in the area of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. She transitioned into the healthcare field in 2016 as the inaugural Diversity Director at Robert Wood University Hospital. During her tenure, she launched the hospital’s first Diversity and Inclusion Council and spearheaded the PROUD Gender Medical Center Program to address the unique healthcare needs of the LGBTQ+ community. She later served as System Director, and subsequently as Chief Belonging and Equity Officer at Memorial Healthcare System in Florida, where her leadership earned the system its first Human Rights Campaign Foundation Healthcare Equality Index recognition.

Ms. Nazario received her Master of Business Administration from Rider University and a Master of Science degree from Southern New Hampshire University. She also holds Diversity Executive (CDE) and Non-Profit Management certificates from Seton Hall University.