Michelle Johnson, MSN, RN, named Chief Nursing Officer of Starr Regional Medical Center

Starr Regional Medical Center announced today that Michelle Johnson, MSN, RN, has been named Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), effective August 10, 2026. She succeeds Deborah Vaughn, MSN, BSN, RN, who retired after serving as Starr Regional Medical Center's Chief Nursing Officer for two years.

Johnson joins Starr Regional Medical Center from Jackson Purchase Medical Center, a Lifepoint facility in Mayfield, Kentucky, where she most recently served as Chief Nursing Officer.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to Starr Regional Medical Center,” said John McLain, Chief Executive Officer. “She brings clinical leadership experience, a strong commitment to quality and patient safety, and a passion for supporting caregivers. Michelle has a proven ability to build strong teams and drive clinical excellence, and she will help us advance our mission of making communities healthier.”

With more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience, Johnson has overseen nursing operations, quality, patient safety, staffing, regulatory compliance, and strategic initiatives across healthcare organizations. Her leadership has improved patient outcomes, strengthened employee engagement, and supported organizational growth.

“Through the interview process and the opportunity to learn more about Michelle, I found her to be an exceptional nurse leader who understands the critical role nurses play in delivering excellent patient care,” said the Rev. Dr. Vant Hardaway, chair of Starr Regional Medical Center's Board of Trustees. “Her experience building strong teams and advancing quality initiatives will be a tremendous asset to our hospital. We are excited to welcome her and look forward to the impact she will have on the communities we serve.”

Prior to joining Jackson Purchase Medical Center, Johnson served in multiple healthcare leadership roles, including Associate Chief Nursing Officer and Administrative Director of Nursing Operations at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth in Beaumont, Texas; Director of Medical/Telemetry, Orthopedics, and Dialysis at Woodland Heights Medical Center in Lufkin, Texas; and Director of Telemetry at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas in Port Arthur, Texas.

“I am honored to join Starr Regional Medical Center and become part of a team that is deeply committed to its communities,” said Johnson. “I have been impressed by the organization's focus on compassionate, high-quality care and the dedication of its employees. I look forward to working alongside our team to support caregivers, strengthen the patient experience, and improve the health of the communities we serve.”

Johnson holds a Master of Science in nursing and a Bachelor of Science in nursing, and is a member of the American Nurses Association. In her spare time, she enjoys being at the lake paddle boarding and riding jet skis and spending time with her fur babies.