St. Francis-Emory Healthcare is pleased to announce that Elizabeth B. Later, BSN, MHA, RN, CENP, has been named the Chief Nursing Officer, effective August 3, 2020. Later joins St. Francis from Ogden Regional Medical Center in Utah, where she served as the Chief Nursing Officer since 2010. Later has 15 years of clinical experience in Cardiac and Critical Care nursing and 23 years of experience in nursing leadership. 

“We are so pleased to have Later join St. Francis in this important leadership role,” said Melody Trimble, chief executive officer (CEO) of St. Francis. “She is an exceptional leader with a tremendous heart for nursing. Please join me in welcoming her to the Chattahoochee Valley.” 

While serving as Chief Nursing Officer at Ogden Regional Medical Center, Later reduced registered nurse (RN) turnover from 38 percent to 16 percent from 2016 to 2019, and implemented a shared governance and formal recognition programs. She reduced sitter use by 15 percent with a 36 percent reduction in falls. She also led the organization to achieve a 36 percent reduction in Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTI) and a 50 percent reduction in Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI). 

“It is my great privilege to return home to the southeast and join the St. Francis-Emory Healthcare team, said Elizabeth Later, chief nursing officer of St. Francis. The heart of the hospital is evident in the people who serve the patients, and there is a strong dedication in the hospital to providing the best possible care and experience for the community of Columbus. I am delighted to have this opportunity to work alongside them in the important work that the hospital is doing.” 

Later holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Medical University of South Carolina, a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Independence University, and 16 credit hours of course work in a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Capella University. She is a Certified Executive in Nursing Practice through the American Organization of Nurse Leaders. 

Later and her husband, Kent, have four children and five grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys writing, reading, playing the piano, and antique shopping. She is a published author (co-wrote a book with her father about Beaufort, South Carolina), and she is a classically trained pianist. Later also enjoys community service and being active in her church.