Phelps Health Chief Nursing Officer Keri Brookshire-Heavin Named to Becker’s “CNOs to Know” List

ROLLA, Mo. – Keri Brookshire-Heavin, MHA, BSN, RN, senior vice president, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer at Phelps Health, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 list of “Hospital and Health System Chief Nursing Officers to Know.” This national recognition honors nurse executives who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation and commitment to advancing patient care.
This distinction places Brookshire-Heavin among the most influential nursing leaders in the country who are shaping the future of healthcare. For her colleagues, the honor comes as no surprise.
“Keri is well known throughout Phelps Health for her strategic vision and operational excellence,” said Jason Shenefield, MBA, FACHE, president and CEO. “She builds trust and accountability while forming strong connections, helping employees feel valued and patients feel heard.”
As CNO, Brookshire-Heavin pairs high expectations with her people-first approach. Through mentorship and professional development, she supports staff growth and builds resilient, high-performing teams. Her impact is especially evident in her ability to lead through change.
Brookshire-Heavin’s recent accomplishments include:

• Championing Lean principles to embed efficiency and continuous improvement across the organization
• Expanding regulatory readiness, ensuring consistent compliance and a proactive culture of safety
• Advancing health equity, convening teams and community partners to address social and cultural barriers to care
• Revitalizing quality and patient safety programs, creating structures that engage staff, physicians and leadership

One of her most significant achievements was leading the effort to secure Primary Heart Attack Center Certification from The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association in 2025. This certification, which reflects a high level of excellence in emergency cardiac care, required coordinated workflows, standardized protocols and cross‑departmental collaboration—all guided by Brookshire-Heavin’s leadership. Her influence spans the full continuum of care—hospital, clinic, home health and hospice—strengthening accreditation, policies and audit readiness across the board.
“In every initiative, Keri demonstrates what healthcare leadership should be—visionary, compassionate and committed to excellence,” said Shenefield. “This recognition reflects her accomplishments and the profound impact she has on our people and patients.”
About Phelps Health
Phelps Health serves over 200,000 residents in south-central Missouri. Phelps Health is county-owned, non-tax supported and overseen by a five-member elected board. Phelps Health employs around 2,000 people, including 100-plus providers. Phelps Health, which includes a hospital licensed for 240 patient beds, serves a six-county area, with its main campus and several clinics in Rolla, Missouri. Phelps Health also has clinics in Salem, St. James, Vienna and Waynesville, Missouri. For more information, visit phelpshealth.org.