Christine Lechliter, MBA, BSN, NE-BC, has been named chief nursing officer and vice president, Patient Care Services UPMC Western Maryland. In this role, Lechliter is responsible for developing and enhancing patient care services, working with nursing and other clinical teams to advance care and services for the community.

Lechliter joined UPMC Western Maryland in 1995 and most recently served as Director of Nursing, a position she has held since October 2020. In this role she has had oversight in multiple areas including inpatient nursing services, emergency services, UPMC Heart & Vascular Institute at UPMC Western Maryland, organizational development, nursing education. Before serving as the Director of Nursing, she was Director of Critical Care Services, Assistant Director of Clinical Services, and nurse manager for intensive care, intensive cardiovascular care, and cardiology. Her recent accomplishments include work with capacity management including leadership recruitment and the opening of an admissions and discharge unit.

“Chrissy is a proven leader who brings a wealth of patient care knowledge and experience to the CNO role,” said Michele Martz, president, UPMC Western Maryland. “She has continued to advance her education and career through various nurse leadership roles, and we are looking forward to her continued expertise in this position.”

Lechliter is currently serving a four-year term on the Maryland Board of Nursing as a Governor-appointed Nurse Administrator Member. She is also the vice president of the Western Maryland Health System Auxiliary. Chrissy earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in business administration from Frostburg State University and is a board-certified nurse executive.

“I am honored with this opportunity,” Lechliter said. “I’m passionate about nursing, and to be able to help lead care in the community that I grew up in at the health system I began my career with is exciting. I am fortunate to be able to care for the people of this community who include my family and so many friends. I want to help drive us forward and ensure UPMC Western Maryland’s many successes continue.”

Chrissy Lechliter