Munson Healthcare Names System Chief Nursing Officer

12.14.2023

Munson Healthcare (MHC) announced today that Jennifer Standfest, MSN, RN, NE-BC, has been named the system’s Chief Nursing Officer. 

"As we continue to transform our internal culture, create more patient centric experiences, and implement our strategic plan, it will be critical to have a positive nursing leader like Jennifer at the table," said Ed Ness, President and Chief Executive Officer at Munson Healthcare. "We are confident this role will bring more perspective and build a more supportive environment for our nursing teams.”

In this pivotal role, Standfest, a seasoned nursing professional with over two decades of bedside and leadership experience, will spearhead efforts to enhance trust, teamwork, and communication among nursing staff and leadership. She will also serve as another clinical leader at the executive leadership level, joining the Chief Medical, Safety and Quality Officer, Joe Santangelo, MD. “Nurses and providers work together every day at every level of the organization. I’m excited to have such a great partner coming into this new system role so we can strengthen our collaboration at the executive level,” Dr. Santangelo said. 

In her most recent position as Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Care at Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital, she demonstrated exceptional skills in overseeing nursing practice, clinical outcomes, and exceptional patient experiences while cultivating a culture of trust and open communication. Additionally, she has served as the Director of Nursing Practice and Professional Development at Munson Medical Center, Director of Women’s and Children’s Services, Director of Critical Care Services, Magnet Program Director, Clinical Nurse Educator, and a Cardiothoracic Critical Care Nurse. Standfest holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Valley State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Calvin University. 

“I am proud to be part of Munson Healthcare and am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Munson Healthcare community – our people and our patients – in this new role,” Standfest expressed. 

Standfest will begin the new position on January 8, 2024.