MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — Atlantic Health has named Cody D. Legler, DNP, APRN, senior vice president and system chief nursing executive, adding the veteran nursing leader to the health system’s executive leadership team.
Legler will provide leadership and strategic oversight for nursing care across Atlantic Health’s clinical enterprise, the health system announced Thursday.
“As a doctoral-level executive nurse leader, Cody possesses unique expertise in improving health outcomes, developing nurse leaders, and driving organizational safety and innovation,” said Saad Ehtisham, President and CEO, Atlantic Health. “Along with his talent for streamlining operations, Cody’s forward-looking approach to medicine will elevate patient outcomes today, while pioneering a path for an innovative future for nursing across New Jersey.”
In his new role, Legler will oversee the performance and strategic direction of nursing across Atlantic Health, with a focus on quality, patient satisfaction, workforce engagement and evidence-based care.
Atlantic Health said Legler will also work to strengthen nursing professional development and elevate the role of nurses in organizational decision-making.
“I am grateful for this wonderful opportunity to join a team where nurses are encouraged to expand their skills, ensuring that nursing is always at the forefront of caring for our patients and their families,” said Dr. Legler. “Building upon Atlantic Health’s longstanding collaborative governance and award-winning performance, I look forward to advancing our mission to build healthier communities.”
Legler brings more than 15 years of nursing leadership experience at national and regional health systems.
Most recently, he served as senior vice president and system chief nursing officer at Maimonides Health, where he oversaw nursing operations across three hospitals, a freestanding emergency department, surgery center, cancer center and ambulatory network.
Legler previously served as system vice president and chief nursing officer for the Perioperative Service Line at MedStar Health. In that position, he led perioperative nursing strategy, practice and operations across 10 hospitals, six surgery centers and ambulatory sites spanning three states.
