AUGUSTA HEALTH ELEVATES SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT CRYSTAL FARMER TO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER IN ADDITION TO SERVING AS CHIEF NURSING OFFICER

FISHERSVILLE, Virginia — Augusta Health announced Senior Vice President Crystal Farmer, MBA, MSN, RN, FACHE, has assumed dual responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer effective January 1, 2024. Farmer had been serving as the chief nursing officer at Augusta Health since 2018.

“In addition to responsibilities as chief nursing officer at Augusta Health, Crystal will also now play a vital leadership role in the day-to-day operations,” said Mary N. Mannix, President & CEO of Augusta Health. “Farmer is a strong leader and is passionate about operational excellence, professional development, patient care best practices, and staff engagement. She will undoubtedly steer Augusta Health toward new heights of excellence and patient-centered care.”

Crystal Farmer joined Augusta Health in 2018 as Chief Nursing Officer. She has played a significant role in nursing at Augusta Health by increasing nursing engagement to 75%, leading nursing and clinical hospital teams during COVID-19 surges and the pandemic recovery phase, expanding surgical services to Augusta Health Outpatient Pavilion, and improving patient experience. In March, Augusta Health joined a premier group of organizations under Farmer’s leadership by receiving a Pathway to Excellence designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC.)

“As I transition into this new role, my enduring commitment to our organization deepens,” said Farmer. “This is not just a career progression; it symbolizes my unwavering dedication to our collective success. I am privileged to lead alongside our exceptional team, and my loyalty remains resolute as we embark on this journey of growth and innovation. Together, we will set new benchmarks for excellence in operational efficiency and patient care, shaping the future of our organization.”

Farmer earned an MBA from James Madison University. Her leadership extends to others, too, by being a member and serving the American Nurses Association, American College of Healthcare Executives, Blue Ridge Community College Foundation, Virginia Organization for Nurse Leaders, and American Organization for Nursing Leadership.

Executive biographies and photos are available at https://www.augustahealth.com/about-us/leadership/.