UNM Hospital names Michael Chicarelli as interim CEO

Native New Mexican will guide operations during transition

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Michael Chicarelli, DNP, has been named UNM Hospital interim CEO with the retirement of current CEO Steve McKernan slated October 1, 2017. Chicarelli, who has been with UNM Hospital for more than 20 years, will direct hospital operations, marketing, business development, finance, human resources and more, to continue improving health care quality and accessibility in the state.

A native New Mexican, Chicarelli is a product of UNM's College of Nursing, earning a Doctor of Nurse Practice with a health care leadership focus. He also is a registered nurse and board-certified emergency nurse.

Chicarelli began his career in 1997 as a UNM Hospital (UNMH) emergency department nurse and has risen through the ranks, holding positions of emergency department charge nurse, Lifeguard flight nurse, executive director of emergency services, assistant chief nursing officer and administrator of professional services.

"I have a strong appreciation of Mr. McKernan's unparalleled vision and the mission of the hospital as I move into my new role," Chicarelli says. "It will be an honor to work closer with the UNM Hospital Board of Trustees, Health Sciences Center leadership, university clinicians and staff, and the citizens of New Mexico to continue our very important mission. I look forward to leading UNM Hospital through this transition."

"Having worked in the trenches at UNM Hospital for so many years, Mike has a keen understanding of the many levels of operation required to sustain the quality of patient care and employee needs," offers Sheena Ferguson, UNM Hospital chief nursing officer. "His depth and breadth of knowledge and experience are a true asset."

Chicarelli has overseen 1,500 full-time employees in his role of Administrator of Professional Services, where he was responsible for most of the non-nursing departments at UNMH. During his career at UNMH, Chicarelli has made numerous advancements and improvements to the Emergency Services Departments and shared his expertise, including participating in lectures, published works and mentoring those seeking to enter the health profession.

"Mike Chicarelli has always been focused on how UNM Hospital can improve the health of the people of Bernalillo County and New Mexico," says UNM Chancellor for Health Sciences Paul B. Roth, MD, MS, who also is CEO of the UNM Health System. "He will be steadfast in advancing the stability and sustainability of UNM Hospitals and its patient care. We are fortunate to have his leadership, energy and vision."