HCA Houston Healthcare Names Heather Ash Chief Nursing Officer

Heather Ash has been appointed Chief Nursing Officer of HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center, effective January 18, 2026, the hospital announced.

Ash brings more than 19 years of nursing leadership experience to the 372-bed facility, according to a statement released by HCA Houston Healthcare. Most recently, she served as Associate Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Methodist Children’s Hospital in San Antonio.

Throughout her career, Ash has focused on improving patient experience, implementing nurse leader rounding programs, and sponsoring interdisciplinary councils and safety initiatives. She also has a demonstrated record of designing and advancing patient care initiatives and ensuring operational excellence, the hospital said.

Robert Sabina, Chief Executive Officer of HCA Houston Healthcare Medical Center, stated, “We are excited to welcome Heather Ash as our new Chief Nursing Officer.”

Ash earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Petersburg College in Florida and a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management from Western Governors University. She is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the American Nurses Association.

The appointment comes as HCA Healthcare continues to adjust leadership roles across its network of hospitals. Earlier this month, Josh Gill was named COO of Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Kansas, transferring from Lee’s Summit Medical Center in Missouri, according to a report from Becker’s Hospital Review.