UT MD Anderson appoints Kim Slusser as chief nurse executive

MD Anderson News Release April 29, 2026

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced the appointment of Kim Slusser, Ph.D., R.N., as the institution’s inaugural chief nurse executive (CNE), effective May 1.

As CNE, Slusser will serve as the enterprise-wide leader of more than 5,400 nurses, fostering a shared vision for high-quality nursing care. She will oversee strategic initiatives spanning clinical practice, operations, quality, safety, emergency preparedness and interdisciplinary collaboration, while championing innovation and compassion as UT MD Anderson continues to expand its reach and impact. This newly established role reflects the institution’s ongoing growth and aligns with the organizational structure of The University of Texas System.

“Dr. Slusser is a trusted, mission-driven leader with a deep commitment to excellence in nursing practice,” said Peter WT Pisters, M.D., president of UT MD Anderson. “Her dedication to delivering patient-centered care, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and prioritizing growth and development opportunities for nurses ensures our teams will continue to provide compassionate, innovative care to patients and their families throughout their cancer experience.”

Slusser joined UT MD Anderson in 2023 as associate chief nursing officer and served most recently as chief nursing officer ad interim. During her time at the institution, Slusser has demonstrated exceptional leadership in operational efficencies and positive care outcomes. She has cultivated a unified culture, most notably during the achievement of a sixth consecutive Magnet designation – the institution’s first with distinction.

This milestone was earned through strong workforce outcomes, including low nurse turnover and high engagement scores. Slusser also led the development of the nursing division’s multi-year strategic priorities, informed by extensive engagement with frontline nurses and department leaders across the institution. Nurses at every level were given representation and the opportunity to contribute feedback to drive optimization.
 
“Every day, our nurses lead with expertise, advocacy, and compassion across every care environment. I am profoundly honored and committed to championing their well being, investing in their professional growth, and advancing our practice together to provide the highest level of care to every patient entrusted to us," Slusser said.

Slusser’s leadership spans several key institutional priorities. As a leader in operational excellence and efficiency for the institution's clinical areas, she has helped improve patient flow, expanded access to care, and reduced unexpected readmissions. Her work in quality and safety has resulted in strengthened high-reliability care and improved patient outcomes. In addition, Slusser contributed to the establishment and advancement of the Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing as inaugural co-lead of its fulfillment focus area, supporting nurse development and well-being.

Beyond UT MD Anderson, Slusser represents the institution and contributes to the nursing profession at the national level through service with several organizations and advisory groups, including the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers CNO Working Group, The Joint Commission’s CNE Committee, and the American Organization of Nursing Leadership CNE Forum. Her commitment to nursing science and lifelong learning is further reflected in her recent achievement of earning a Ph.D. in Nursing Science from the University of Colorado, as well as developing a body of scholarly work focused on palliative care integration and modeling.

“We congratulate Dr. Slusser on this well-deserved appointment,” said Rosanna Morris, UT MD Anderson’s chief clinical operations officer. “As we look to the future, I am confident her leadership will continue to elevate nursing practice and patient care across UT MD Anderson.”