Laurie Athans has been named Chief Nursing Officer at Golisano Children’s Hospital, following her interim tenure in the position. She succeeds Sue Bezek, a longtime nursing leader at the hospital.
Athans brings over 20 years of experience in pediatric care to her new role. Her approach emphasizes proactive engagement with families and communities to support children’s health beyond hospital walls. “I wish children didn’t have to come to the hospital,” Athans said. “The reality is some will, and we’ll always be there for them. But we should also ask what we can do outside these four walls to improve their health.”
Her career began in engineering before a family health crisis led her to pursue nursing. After earning her degree from Finger Lakes Community College, she joined the Pediatric ICU and advanced through various leadership positions while continuing her education.
As Chief Nursing Officer, Athans plans to address increasing rates of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and mental-health concerns by expanding preventive-care outreach and strengthening community partnerships. Initiatives include launching a Mobile Health Clinic in 2026 and enhancing school-based telemedicine programs. “I’m proud of how our teams have stepped up for kids’ behavioral health, but demand continues to grow,” she said. “We have to keep leveraging programs and coordination so families don’t fall through the cracks.” She added: “I’m looking forward to interfacing with the community and learning how to best improve access to comprehensive care. Are children getting everything they need to thrive, and if not, how can we help close those gaps?”
Athans credits her engineering background with shaping her leadership style: “When people understand the ‘why’ and know they’re heard, change sticks,” she said.
Jill Halterman, MD, MPH, Physician-in-Chief of GCH commented: “Laurie has earned enormous respect across GCH for her steady leadership, insight, and genuine care for our teams. She combines systems thinking with a deep compassion for patients and staff—a combination that will help move our mission forward both inside the hospital and in the broader community.”
Kate Valcin, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC, Chief Nursing Executive for URMC stated: “Laurie’s collaborative approach and openness to feedback have stood out throughout her interim role. She has been an exceptional colleague in addressing opportunities and driving improvements, and I look forward to continuing our work together as she assumes this new role.”
