MOBILE, Alabama (Feb. 2, 2026) — USA Health has named Susan Laber, RN, MHA, CPHQ, chief nursing officer for USA Health University Hospital.

Laber, who has served as interim chief nursing officer since September, brings two decades of experience in nursing clinical operations, quality assurance, performance improvement, and patient safety to the role. She joined University Hospital in March 2025 as policy and procedure compliance manager.

As chief nursing officer, Laber will oversee nursing operations, quality, and professional practice, guiding teams in patient-centered care, safety, and clinical excellence. She will also partner with other chief nursing officers across USA Health to further align and support process and clinical standardization efforts.

“Throughout her career, Susan has built a strong culture of improvement by working closely with teams across a variety of healthcare organizations, including physicians and leadership, to put proven practices into place and move organizations forward,” said Josh Snow, MSHA, chief executive officer of University Hospital. “She is widely respected for her ability to attract and retain talented staff, strengthen teamwork, and create lasting, positive change in the workplace.”

Laber has more than 20 years of nursing leadership experience within HCA Healthcare’s West Florida Division, including as division vice president of nursing practice and development/patient experience and chief nursing officer at HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital, HCA Tampa Community Hospital, and HCA Florida Brandon Hospital.

She served as vice president of quality and patient safety at HCA Florida Pasadena Hospital, initiating quality improvements that continued following her transition into the chief nursing officer role that resulted in zero hospital-acquired infections in 2020 and 2021 and an improved Leapfrog rating from a C to an A.

Laber holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Phoenix.

About USA Health 

USA Health, the health system for the University of South Alabama, the Flagship of the Gulf Coast, is the leading academic health system in the region. With more than 40 care delivery locations, including University Hospital, Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Providence Hospital and the Mitchell Cancer Institute, and physician practices throughout the area, the health system melds clinical care, research and healthcare education into the most advanced medical care in the region.