Deborah Zimmermann named Chair of American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on the Magnet Recognition Program®

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Deborah T. Zimmermann, DNP, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, has been elected the new chair of American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on the Magnet Recognition Program®.  

ANCC’s Commission on Magnet Recognition is the highest honor and level of recognition awarded for nursing excellence in national and international health care. In 2006, VCU Medical Center was the first in central Virginia to achieve Magnet designation.

“Serving on the Magnet Commission has been one of the greatest honors of my career and I am honored to be named chair,” said Zimmermann. “My fellow commissioners are hardworking, humble and passionate about the profession of nursing. They are unwavering in their dedication to improving population health through excellence in nursing.”

In her role as chair, Zimmermann will assist the body of experts representing various sectors of the nursing community and governing the Magnet Recognition Program activities. Those activities include making the final decision regarding the designation of the Magnet® credentials and providing a mechanism for the systematic review and evaluation of the strategic direction of the Magnet Recognition Program.  

“Deb brings a wealth of experience and talent as a nurse executive to VCU, the commonwealth and now to the commission as their chair,” said John Duval, MCV Hospitals CEO. “This is a wonderful recognition of her commitment and leadership in advancing nursing professional practice nationally, in the commonwealth and here at VCU Medical Center.”

Zimmermann came to VCU from Rochester General Hospital, where she was the senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer. During her 23-year career at Rochester General, Zimmermann also served as vice president of hospital operations, chief patient care executive, employee health services director and nurse practitioner.

She has earned numerous professional certifications and held leadership positions in professional organizations such as the New York Organization of Nurse Executives, Finger Lakes Work Force Collaborative and advisory boards of several colleges and universities.

Zimmermann was elected as the incoming chair of the commission at the March meeting. Her term as chair begins July 1 and runs for one year.