Mercy Health — Cincinnati is pleased to announce that Michele Stokes, MSN, BSN, CNML, has been promoted to Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) for the Cincinnati Market, effective immediately. Michele has been serving in this capacity on an interim basis and now formally steps into the role.
Michele brings more than 30 years of service to our ministry, having joined Mercy Health in 1994. Throughout her career, she has held multiple clinical and nursing leadership roles across the Cincinnati region. Most recently, Michele served as Chief Nursing Officer of Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital, where she provided strategic oversight and operational leadership for nursing services.
Her extensive career includes serving as:
- Clinical Director, Perioperative and Women’s Services, Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital
- Clinical Director, Mercy Health – Fairfield Hospital
- Interim Chief Nursing Officer, Mercy Health – Cincinnati
Michele holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati and a Master’s Degree in Nursing Executive Leadership from Northern Kentucky University, where she was a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the international nursing honor society. She is also a Certified Nurse Manager Leader (CNML) through the American Organization for Nurse Leadership.
In her new role as Chief Nursing Officer for the Cincinnati Market, Michele will be responsible for the strategic and operational direction of nursing and clinical care delivery across all practice settings, ensuring high-quality, compassionate care for our patients and communities.
“Michele is a highly respected leader whose commitment to nursing excellence, patient-centered care, and team development has made a significant impact across our ministry,” said Dr. John Luellen, Mercy Health—Ohio president. “We are fortunate to have her expertise and vision guiding nursing care for the Cincinnati Market.”
Michele’s first day in the role was Tuesday, February 10, 2026.