Mishawaka-based Saint Joseph Health System has appointed Tommy Starr as chief nursing officer, effective Oct. 6.
Starr has served as interim chief nursing officer for Saint Joseph Health System since June 2025.
Starr has a track record of building teams, advancing clinical outcomes and fostering professional governance. He played a pivotal role in Loyola Medicine’s successful fourth ANCC Magnet re-designation in 2024. At Rush University Medical Center, he contributed to multiple Magnet designations as both a clinical nurse and leader.
Starr serves as president of the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders and is a member of the Nominations Committee for the American Organization of Nurse Leaders. He served in leadership roles with the Rush University Alumni Association, serving as president in 2023 and past president in 2024.
Starr earned both his Doctor of Nursing Practice and Master of Science in Nursing in Clinical Nursing Leadership from Rush University. He has earned national certifications as a nurse executive, clinical nurse leader and critical care registered nurse.
“Tommy has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and a deep commitment to nursing excellence throughout his time as interim CNO,” said Chris Karam, Saint Joseph Health System president, in a press release. “His passion for advancing patient care and empowering our nursing teams makes him the ideal leader to guide us forward. We are thrilled to officially welcome him into this role.”
