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Melanie M. Heuston, DNP, RN, NEA-BC

Melanie is currently the Inaugural Chief Nurse Executive for The West Virginia University Health System. Comprised of twenty-three hospitals, WVUHS is the state’s largest health system and largest private employer. Previously, she was the Chief Nursing & Patient Care Services Officer for Meritus Health in Hagerstown, Maryland. Meritus Health earned Magnet® designation in April 2019 during her tenure. She has also held a variety of executive nursing roles at UPMC Health System in Pittsburgh, PA. Melanie’s clinical background is in the field of cardiothoracic ICU, and she has a strong interest in the workforce and leadership development.

Melanie has had numerous publications in the Journal of Nursing Administration on leadership development as well as other peer-reviewed journals over her career. She holds an adjunct faculty appointment at the WVU School of Nursing. Melanie enjoys teaching and mentoring students at all levels. She has presented locally and nationally on a variety of contemporary nursing leadership topics.

Dr. Heuston is an alumnus of the prestigious Leadership Maryland program (2019) and is currently a board director for this organization.

Melanie received her Baccalaureate in Nursing from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA, and her master’s and doctorate in Nursing Administration from the University of Pittsburgh.  She is a member of national and state nursing organizations as well as the recipient of the 2020 ANCC Certified Nurse Award for Nurse Executive, Advanced.