Denville, New Jersey. Saint Clare’s Health, a member of Prime Healthcare, is pleased to announce that Michelle L. Buck, DNP, MSN, RN, FACHE, has been appointed Chief Nursing Officer, effective February 16, 2026.
Dr. Buck brings more than 28 years of clinical nursing experience and 15 years of senior nursing leadership, including service as a Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer in complex healthcare environments. She is widely recognized for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to professional nursing practice, and ability to align nursing strategy with organizational goals to improve quality, safety, and patient experience.
Most recently, she served as Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Northwestern Medical Center in Vermont, where she led nursing operations across inpatient, emergency, surgical, and specialty care services. Prior to that, she held progressive leadership roles at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, including Vice President of Inpatient Nursing, overseeing nursing operations for a 460-bed academic medical center.
Throughout her career, she has championed shared governance, evidence-based practice, and nurse-led innovation. Her work has contributed to improvements in workforce engagement, patient flow, and nursing-sensitive quality outcomes. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and holds advanced training in design thinking and Lean Six Sigma.
“Michelle is a transformational nursing leader who brings deep operational expertise, strategic vision, and a genuine commitment to caring for caregivers,” said Brian L. Ulery, Chief Executive Officer, Saint Clare’s Health. “We are thrilled to welcome her to Saint Clare’s and look forward to the impact she will have on our nursing teams and the patients we serve.”
Dr. Buck holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management. She is actively engaged in professional and community service, including roles with the American College of Healthcare Executives.
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About Saint Clare’s Health
Saint Clare’s Health, a member of Prime Healthcare, is an award-winning provider of compassionate care delivered with the latest technology, serving the communities of Morris, Sussex, and Warren counties. Its network of hospitals and healthcare facilities, include Denville Hospital, Dover Hospital, Behavioral Health Centers in Boonton, Denville, and Parsippany, and an Imaging Center in Parsippany, among other satellite locations.