Regional One Health has filled two positions and expanded the roles of other members of its senior leadership team.

Nikia Bell is the new vice president of operations and will lead multiple operational and clinical areas throughout the system. Her responsibilities include laboratory services, food and nutrition services, environmental services, laundry, transportation, the subacute unit and clinical support departments including respiratory therapy and dialysis.

Bell has served in healthcare leadership roles for more than 10 years including experience in hospitals and physician practices. Most recently she served as the vice president of operations for a Hospital Corporation of America facility in Arlington, Texas. Prior to her time in the Dallas area, she held leadership positions in Community Health Systems' facilities in Oklahoma.

Lisa Cox Schafer, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, is the new chief operating officer (COO) and chief nursing officer (CNO). Schafer has served as CNO since joining Regional One Health in 2016. Schafer's additional responsibilities will include oversight of nursing, perioperative services and pharmacy in addition to both clinical and non-clinical operations.

Schafer has worked in nursing management and leadership roles for more than 30 years in academic medical centers and community hospitals. Prior to joining Regional One Health, she served as the vice president and chief nursing and operation executive for Scripps Health System in San Diego.

A spokesperson said the fulfillment of the vice president of operations and chief operating officer positions, along with shifting of other executive roles, will allow Regional One Health to adjust focus areas among the executive staff to accelerate improvements and growth within the system while focusing efforts on initiatives to improve the health of this community. The other changes include the expansion of roles and the naming of Tish Towns as senior vice president and chief administrative officer; Bret Perisho as senior vice president business development/chief strategy officer; Tammie Ritchey as senior vice president and chief development officer; and Susan Cooper as senior vice president and chief integration officer.