NORTHERN CALIF. – Sutter Health proudly announces Katrina (Kat) Ascencio-Holmes as chief nurse officer for the organization. Under her strategic direction and guidance, she will lead teams across the integrated health system to achieve the highest levels of nursing care delivery, patient care and clinical outcomes.
Ascencio-Holmes will be responsible for executive nursing leadership, clinical nursing practice, education, nursing research and workforce development. She will also serve as a key member of Sutter’s Executive Leadership Team and closely collaborate with Dr. William Isenberg, Sutter’s chief medical & quality officer, who guides high-quality, safe and equitable care across the system.
“Kat is an accomplished nurse leader with 30-plus years’ experience and a wealth of knowledge in hospital and outpatient care settings. Her background, along with her commitment to excellence and compassionate nature, is what made her stand out during our national search,” said Sutter Health Chief Operating Officer Mark Sevco. “We have been fortunate that Kat has spent the last 15 years here with Sutter in a variety of leadership roles. She has been an instrumental part of our efforts to be the best place to work, practice medicine and deliver exceptional care. We are thrilled her lasting work will continue.”
“Nursing has been central to my life. Growing up in Stockton, Calif., I was surrounded by the best role models: my mother and my five aunts were all nurses. I saw at a very young age how meaningful their work was and decided early on that I wanted to follow in their footsteps,” said Ascencio-Holmes. “It has been a privilege to grow and develop in this profession. I’m ecstatic at this opportunity to continue championing our quality and culture work, supporting the best possible care experience for our patients and career growth for our nurses.”
Ascencio-Holmes’ role, which she has held since July 2024 on an interim basis, begins at a unique time at Sutter Health. The not-for-profit healthcare system has taken fresh perspectives and new ideas toward cultivating an energizing, purpose-driven and diverse culture. The intent is to attract, engage and retain the best people as the organization expands access to meet patient demand. These teammates will help the organization continue its reputation as one of the leading health systems in the nation. Sutter Health is known for delivering safe, high quality and equitable care that has earned national recognition for clinical excellence and exceeding rigorous quality improvement standards. As chief nurse officer, Ascencio-Holmes will champion collaborative efforts to enhance patient outcomes and experiences, and foster a culture where patients and caregivers feel valued and supported.
Ascencio-Holmes first joined Sutter Health in 2009. She helped shape the development and implementation of multiple surgery centers in the Central Valley, later becoming CEO at one of the surgical hospitals in 2018. She transitioned to take on leadership roles at Sutter Roseville Medical Center in Roseville, Calif. She started as the perioperative executive director in 2020 and elevated to chief nurse executive in 2022. Her leadership opportunities continued in 2023, serving as interim CEO of Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital in Auburn, Calif. and chief administrative officer and chief nurse executive of Sutter North Surgical Hospital – North Valley in Yuba City, Calif. Prior to Sutter Health, she began her career in her hometown of Stockton. She first served as a registered nurse in a medical-surgical unit and then with a labor and delivery unit. She then joined the open-heart surgery team and eventually served as the nursing manager of the operating room. She also helped open a surgery center in Stockton and was instrumental in each stage of the project, including pre-construction site development, hiring and CMS approval.
Ascencio-Holmes’ personal journey has shaped her compassionate leadership style, fueled by her early career experiences, personal resilience and Hispanic heritage. As a Latina and member of National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives she is dedicated to advocating for equitable healthcare.
Ascencio-Holmes holds a Master of Science in healthcare administration and earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of the American College of Health Care Executives, American Organization for Nursing Leadership, Healthcare Management Fellowship, Sacramento Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, National Association for Hispanic Leaders and Association of Operating Room Nurses. She also served on the Roseville Chamber of Commerce as a board member. She is a nominee for the American Heart Association Women of Impact for 2025.
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