Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center has named Susan Marie Brooks as its new executive vice president and chief nursing officer. Brooks, who holds a master’s degree in science and is a board-certified nurse executive, brings more than 30 years of leadership experience from various Western New York health systems.
Before joining Niagara Falls Memorial, Brooks served as chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, which is part of Catholic Health. In that role, she managed nursing operations across several departments including perioperative services, emergency care, critical care, maternal services, medical-surgical units, and addiction treatment. She was responsible for the hospital’s patient experience strategy and regulatory compliance while overseeing quality and fiscal performance for multiple service lines. Additionally, Brooks contributed to the launch of Lockport Hospital by implementing staffing models that received regional recognition for efficiency and patient-centered care.
Brooks also held senior positions at Sisters of Charity Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital, and Kaleida Health. There she led programs in critical care, emergency services, stroke and neurosciences, as well as systemwide case management. Her work helped secure a HUD loan for John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital by reducing length of stay metrics and managing alternative level of care volumes. She also played a key role in closing Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital and integrating two unions into Buffalo General Medical Center during a complex transition period.
Brooks has presented at national conferences such as AONL (American Organization for Nursing Leadership), SHSMD (Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development), and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Her articles have appeared in Healthcare Business Review and CIO Review where she discussed topics related to nursing innovation and operational strategy. Among her honors are 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.”
In her new position at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center (NFMMC), Brooks will oversee all aspects of nursing operations as well as clinical strategy initiatives focused on quality improvement workforce development and enhancing patient experiences throughout the organization.
