The health system is tapping one of its own to serve in this key role to lead nursing services
Chapel Hill, N.C. – UNC Health has named Lorie A. Rhine, MSN, RN, NE-BC, to serve as the health system’s Chief Nursing Executive (CNE).
Rhine will make the transition from serving as vice president and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for UNC Health Rex in Raleigh and Holly Springs to leading nursing services across the full UNC Health enterprise. As CNE, Rhine will oversee the system’s nursing professional practice.
She steps into the role of CNE that was vacated when Cathy Madigan retired in late 2023. Rhine brings a career of nearly 40 years in nursing.
Under Rhine’s leadership, UNC Health Rex has significantly improved all nursing indicators by revitalizing evidence-based practice standards and implementing acuity-based productivity across all units. With decades of progressive leadership experience, she has fostered a culture of continuous learning and ensured the delivery of high-quality, value-driven, and reliable care in a healthcare system that is nationally recognized for patient safety and quality of care.
“We are extremely pleased to have Lorie Rhine move from UNC Health Rex to a nursing leadership role with the UNC Health system,” said UNC Health Chief Operating Officer Jeff Lindsay. “Lorie has a strong reputation for advocating for nursing and being extremely patient care focused. We are fortunate to have her in this role.”
Rhine has championed comprehensive patient safety initiatives and played a pivotal role in developing new service policies, ensuring that care delivery aligns with the latest professional standards. Her partnership with the UNC School of Nursing has strengthened staff recognition and safety culture, reflecting a steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare outcomes.
“I look forward to working with leaders across UNC Health as we continually strive to provide the highest quality care for our patients” Rhine said. “I also want to focus on our teammates, providing opportunities to strengthen our workforce and create an environment where they feel safe and engaged.”
In addition to CNE, Lorie will also serve as Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs within the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Nursing. Rhine’s leadership continues to drive the organization forward, setting new benchmarks in healthcare excellence.
She received her Master of Science in Nursing from Ohio State University and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kent State University.
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 15 hospitals, 19 hospital campuses and more than 900 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM).
It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM.
Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.
