A Leader Steps Up to Her Next Big Challenge

After nearly seven exemplary years of service to GBMC HealthCare, JoAnn Ioannou, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, Executive Vice President of Hospital Operations and Chief Nursing Officer, is leaving us to return to Johns Hopkins to serve as Senior Adviser to the President of Johns Hopkins Health System for Strategic Initiatives.

As you can imagine, I was surprised when JoAnn informed me of her decision to move on, and I have to say that I will truly miss her. She is a seasoned and dedicated nurse and executive who brought with her great knowledge of nursing leadership and a passion to elevate nursing in the healthcare system and to improve patient care.  

Since her arrival, the positive impact that she has made can be felt inside the GBMC HealthCare system and in the community. JoAnn developed the annual Art of Nursing program, which recognizes nursing staff members from all three work systems for their skill, compassion, and commitment to our patients. In 2020, one of the most challenging years in GBMC’s history, JoAnn was promoted to Executive Vice President of Hospital Operations. She has been a strong leader for our system throughout COVID-19 and the cyber-attack, and always made sure we paused to honor and celebrate our frontline staff, who were working harder than ever. JoAnn helped our system shine during our Baldrige site visit and was instrumental in our health system achieving this wonderful recognition. JoAnn has done a fabulous job in overseeing the planning for and construction-to-date of the Promise Project.

Under her leadership, GBMC HealthCare implemented a professional excellence model for its nursing staff with the goal of encouraging continuing education and creating clear pathways for career advancement. Dr. Ioannou’s passion for promoting nurses as healthcare leaders is evident to all who know and work with her. GBMC’s Nurse Residency Program, which supports and mentors newly graduated nurses, was the first program in Baltimore accredited with distinction by the American Nurse Credentialing Center. This is the highest level of recognition awarded worldwide for nursing education programs

With JoAnn’s departure, Stacey McGreevy, CPA, will assume the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Greater Baltimore Medical Center. In this role, Stacey will lead the hospital work system and be responsible for its financial and daily operational activities. 

Michael W. Stein, MHSA, FACMPE, will serve as interim Vice President of Support Services. Michael has been the Executive Director of Oncology Services at GBMC since 2014. Over the last two years, he has also served as the Service Line Administrator for the Laboratory and Imaging Services. 

Angie Feurer, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, will serve as interim Chief Nursing Officer. Angie has been a nurse leader for 24 years, including her most recent role as Director of the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Medicine/Telemetry, SAFE, and the Stroke Program. Angie played a critical role as an Incident Commander during the cyber-attack and COVID-19. 

There is no doubt that Dr. Ioannou has served our healthcare system well during her tenure and that she has been a transformational leader throughout her time with us. Please join me in thanking her for her service and wishing her all the best with the wonderful next step in her outstanding career.