UP Health System – Portage Names Casey Baird, MBA, BSN, RN, CPPS, Chief Nursing Officer
June 26, 2024
UP Health System – Portage (UPHS – Portage) is pleased to announce Casey Baird, MBA, BSN, RN, CPPS, has been appointed to serve as chief nursing officer (CNO), effective June 23, 2024. Baird brings nearly two decades of healthcare experience in both clinical settings and progressive leadership roles, half of which have been at UPHS – Portage.
An Upper Peninsula native, Baird received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Michigan University in 2006 and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Western Governor’s University in 2023. She has been employed at UPHS – Portage since 2015—most previously as director of quality and infection prevention.
“Casey has extensive experience in nursing and healthcare leadership as well as a necessary passion for serving her community,” said Ryan Heinonen, chief executive officer, UPHS – Portage. “We’re fortunate to have her serve in this role and look forward to the impact she will have as part of our leadership team.”
Some of Baird’s accomplishments include leading the hospital to nine straight A’s through Leapfrog (a national ranking for patient safety) and assisting in implementing safety rounding, which led to significantly reduced patient harms. Because of this work, Baird was chosen to speak and represent the Upper Peninsula at the American Hospital Association (AHA) Rural Healthcare Leadership Conference in Florida on best practices. Casey also led the hospital to receive a 5-star CMS rating in 2023 and played a critical role in ensuring the hospital remained safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As CNO, she will supervise patient care, oversee programs to promote patient safety, and contribute to the strategic and organizational development of UPHS – Portage.
“I look forward to continuing to serve our local community and working closely with our wonderful staff and providers to deliver high quality care and exceptional experiences, as well as highlighting and elevating the nursing profession through patient advocacy, growth opportunities, and engagement,” Baird said.
Outside of work, Casey enjoys spending time with her two daughters and husband, days at the family camp, and traveling.
The team at UPHS – Portage wishes her CNO predecessor, Deb Young, MSN, RN, CENP, well in retirement after more than 30 years of service.