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This edition of The CEO’s List highlights several UVA Health team members who have been recognized for their excellence in healthcare, research, and leadership. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to our mission, and I am pleased to share their remarkable achievements. Join me in celebrating their successes.

With gratitude,
K. Craig Kent, MD
Chief Executive Officer, UVA Health

Lu Q. Le, MD, PhD

It is my great pleasure to celebrate Dr. Lu Q. Le, chair of the Department of Dermatology, whose groundbreaking research has earned the distinction of being featured on the cover of the Journal of Clinical Investigation (JCI), December 2, 2024, issue. Dr. Le’s study, “Transcription factor KROX20 marks epithelial stem cell ancestors for hair follicle formation,” offers critical insight into the stem cells responsible for hair formation and regeneration — findings that hold immense promise for the future of hair loss treatment. This achievement reflects years of dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to advancing medical science. Dr. Le’s discovery not only deepens our understanding of skin and hair biology but also underscores the transformative impact of research in improving patient care and quality of life. Publication on the cover of JCI is an honor that reflects the highest level of clinical and scientific excellence. It is something to which many aspire and only a select few attain. Congratulations to Dr. Le on this extraordinary accomplishment.

Xuemei Huang, MD, PhD

I am proud to share that Dr. Xuemei Huang, chair of UVA’s Department of Neurology, has been named one of Virginia Business magazine’s 100 People to Meet in 2025 in its December 2024 issue. This annual feature highlights leaders who bring decades of expertise and fresh perspectives to their roles — qualities Dr. Huang exemplifies in every facet of her work. A distinguished clinician, educator, and scientist, she is an expert in Parkinson’s disease and neurodegeneration research. Her impressive career includes founding Penn State’s Translational Brain Research Center and serving as chief of the Division of Movement Disorders. Growing up in rural Beijing, Dr. Huang overcame significant barriers to pursue her passion for medicine and neuroscience, ultimately becoming a global leader in her field. Since joining UVA in August, she has been committed to fostering collaboration, mentoring future leaders, and improving neurological healthcare access across Virginia. I applaud Dr. Huang for this well-deserved recognition.

Bart Ragon, EdD, MLIS

It is a privilege to recognize Bart Ragon, Director of the UVA Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, for his outstanding leadership and recent accomplishments in library and information science. Dr. Ragon recently led a national initiative resulting in the article, “The Role of Information Science within the Clinical Translational Science Ecosystem,” co-authored with over 20 librarians nationwide. The article was published and appears in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science. He is also organizing a panel discussion on this topic featuring leaders from UVA, New York University, Johns Hopkins, and Indiana University for an upcoming national conference. Additionally, Dr. Ragon has been elected to the Board of the Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries (AAHSL), further underscoring his leadership. Since his appointment as director in 2022, he has strengthened the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library’s national position through innovative strategies that empower knowledge discovery and patient care. These exceptional contributions to UVA Health reflect his influence and expertise. 

Alex Kasmere, BSN, RN, CPEN, TCRN, EMTP

I am proud to congratulate Alexander Kasmere, Nurse Manager of UVA Health's Pediatric Emergency Department, on his appointment as the 2025 Emerging Professional Liaison to the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Board. Alex is a phenomenal leader who has already made significant contributions to the field, presenting at various venues across the nation. Since he joined UVA Health in July, he has hired over 20 nurses to staff our Pediatric Emergency Department. Additionally, he has implemented a new competency program for his team and built out a charge nurse group. In his new role with the Emergency Nurses Association, Alex will provide to the association valuable insights on behalf of emerging professionals during their board meetings, contribute to board projects, and participate in key events such as the annual conference and state and chapter leaders’ orientation. He will also serve on the Emerging Professional Advisory Council. I am excited to see Alex represent UVA Health and the next generation of emergency nurses and look forward to his continued leadership and impact both here at UVA Health and nationally.

Nursing Excellence: UVA Health Nurses Achieve Honors at 2024 Virginia Nursing Foundation Gala

Congratulations to several UVA Health’s nurses who earned record honors at this year’s Virginia Nurses Foundation (VNF) Gala. It is inspiring to see so many of our nurses recognized for their leadership, professionalism, and impact. Their achievements embody our mission to transform health and inspire hope.

Congratulations to the following who are Virginia Nurses Foundation Leadership Excellence Award recipients:

• Public Health Nursing: Elizabeth Carpenter, RN, BSN, AE-C, RNCC, International Family Medicine Clinic
• Direct Patient Care Leader - Patient Experience: Sarah Hartsock, BSN, RN, CPN, Pediatric RN Case Manager, UVA Continuum Home Health
• Nurse Manager/Director: William (Bill) Lombardi, DNP, RN, AGACNP-BC, CCRN, Administrator, UVA Center for Advanced Practice
• Direct Patient Care Leader - Patient Safety: Megan McDonald, RN, BSN, CNOR, UVA Orthopedic Center at Ivy Road
• Nurse Researcher: Claiborne Miller-Davis, MS, BA, BSN, RN, Nurse Researcher, UVA Health, Nursing Research
• Nurse Manager/Director: Kelly Walsh, MSN, RN, CNL, Director, Evidence-Based Practice Programs
• Trailblazers: April Howell, MSN, RN, NE BC, Ambulatory Director, Heart and Vascular, Nurse Manager/Director 

Additional congratulations to the following: 

• Chris Kremer, BA, BSN, RN, CAPA, Outpatient Surgery Center (OPSC): recipient of the Virginia Magnet Consortium Award for Nursing Excellence in Exemplary Professional Practice
• Melissa Gomes, PhD, APRN, PMHNP-BC, FNAP, FAAN: recipient of the VNF Nurse Research Award
• Crystal Toll, EdD, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, PCCN: recipient of the VNF "Trailblazer" Leadership Excellence Nurse Educator Award:

I also want to commend Kathy Baker, University Medical Chief Nursing Officer, and Mesha Jones, past president of University Medical Center Nursing Professional Governance and a Clinical Instructor at the UVA School of Nursing, for their statewide leadership. Kathy, as president-elect of the Virginia Nurses Association, and Mesha, as president-elect of the Virginia Nurses Foundation, exemplify the profound reach of UVA Health’s nursing excellence across the Commonwealth. Thank you to all who contributed to making UVA Health a leader in nursing innovation!

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