Grand Strand Health names new chief nursing officer

Grand Strand Health is pleased to welcome Irene Williford, MSN, RN, CNOR, NE-BC, as Chief Nursing Officer for the health system.

Most recently, Irene served as the Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Healthcare’s Doctor’s Hospital, in Augusta, Georgia. Since she joined their executive team in 2022, Irene has been instrumental in enhancing nursing and clinical teams, implementing patient experience initiatives aimed at improving patient care, and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence among nursing staff.

“As we look to the future of our growing health system, we place an emphasis on searching for candidates who not only value our mission but also bring valuable skills that positively contribute to our culture,” says Mark Sims, Chief Executive Officer of Grand Strand Health. “I’m excited to have Irene join our team, and lead our efforts to deliver high-quality care.”

Irene has been a nursing executive since 2017, and she has over 30 years of experience in nursing excellence, strategic planning, workforce management, financial management and patient care. She is also a veteran of the United States Army where she served as a nurse and held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas in El Paso, TX, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lynchburg College in Lynchburg, VA. Irene is a member of The American Organization of Nurse Executives, American Nurses Association and Association of Perioperative Nurses.