Michelle D. Hereford, MSHA, RN, FACHE joined UH in April 2021 as the system’s chief nursing executive.  She also holds the Ethel Morikis Endowed Chair in Nursing Leadership. In this role, Hereford is responsible for the overall delivery and management of nursing operations, professional practice, education, professional development, research, administration, and clinical services.  Additionally, she is charged with staff accountability for enhancing a clinical practice environment that is patient centered, with unsurpassed patient experience, clinical quality and patient safety while also providing significant contributions to education and research. 

Hereford is a registered nurse who holds a diploma in nursing from the Riverside School of Professional Nursing, a bachelor's degree from the Medical College of Virginia and master's degree in healthcare administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.  She is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.  She is a member of several professional organizations to include the American College of Healthcare Executives, American Nurses Association, American Organization of Nursing Leadership, National Association of Health Service Executives, and the national Black Nurses Association.  Herford continues to serve on industry and community related board, including the Adventist Healthcare Fort Washington Medical Center, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation Board and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.  She is committed to service as a member of the Cleveland Chapter of the Links, Inc., and the Chicago Women's Golf Club.