Niagara Falls Memorial appoints Susan Brooks as executive vice president/chief nursing officer

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Press Release

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center announced the appointment of Susan Marie Brooks, M.S., B.S.N., R.N., N.E.A.‑B.C., as its new executive vice president and chief nursing officer. Brooks brings more than three decades of progressive nursing leadership across major Western New York health systems, with a distinguished record of advancing clinical quality, operational excellence, and patient experience.

Most recently, Brooks served as chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, part of Catholic Health, where she oversaw nursing operations across perioperative services, medical‑surgical units, emergency care, maternal services, critical care, and addiction treatment. She led the hospital’s patient experience strategy, guided regulatory readiness, and directed quality and fiscal performance across multiple service lines. Brooks also played a pivotal role in the launch of the new Lockport Hospital, implementing innovative staffing and care delivery models that have been recognized regionally for their efficiency and patient‑centered design.

Prior to her role at Mount St. Mary’s, Brooks held senior leadership positions at Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Kaleida Health, where she led critical care, emergency services, stroke and neurosciences programs, and systemwide case management. Her leadership contributed to major organizational milestones, including the HUD loan approval for the John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital, achieved through targeted reductions in length of stay and alternative level of care volume. She also successfully guided the closure of Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital and the integration of two unions into Buffalo General Medical Center – one of the region’s most complex operational transitions.

A respected voice in nursing leadership, Brooks has presented nationally at AONL, SHSMD, and Sigma Theta Tau, and her recent publications in Healthcare Business Review and CIO Review explore the evolving intersection of nursing, technology and operational strategy. She is the recipient of multiple honors, including the Patricia H. Garman Award for Excellence in Nursing and Buffalo Business First’s Women of Influence Award.

“Susan is an exceptional leader whose experience, vision, and commitment to nursing excellence will be invaluable to Memorial,” said Joseph A. Ruffolo, president and CEO of NFMMC. “Her proven ability to elevate patient care, strengthen clinical teams, and drive strategic transformation will play a critical role in advancing our mission and supporting the health of the Niagara community.”

As executive vice president and chief nursing officer, Brooks will oversee all nursing and patient care operations at NFMMC, guiding clinical strategy, quality initiatives, workforce development, and patient experience across the organization.