Leeanna McKibben, DHA, MSN, RN

Leeanna McKibben, DHA, MSN, RN, joined the University of Pittsburgh in 2021 as the inaugural chief of staff for Anantha Shekhar, MD, PhD, senior vice chancellor for the Health Sciences (SVCHS) and John and Gertrude Petersen Dean, School of Medicine. As an executive on the SVCHS leadership team and senior-most staff member in the SVCHS office, Dr. McKibben works to create, develop, and advance the top priorities of the health sciences. These include internal and external relationships, operational and strategic initiatives, and Pitt’s partnership with UPMC. Additionally, she serves as Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences administration, directly responsible for the Economic Development, Human Resources, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Communications and Marketing, and Global and Academic Affairs portfolios.

Dr. McKibben has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, serving in executive, clinical, operational, administrative, and academic roles. Prior to joining Pitt, she served as the Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at UPMC Mercy, a 500-bed level one trauma center, and executive co-lead of the UPMC system-wide 40-hospital Emergency Services group. She has guided her teams to achieve recognized excellence, including Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke designation, Geriatric Emergency Department accreditation, Trauma and Burn accreditation, Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade A, and two Magnet Recognition designations, considered the most prestigious recognition of nursing excellence. Leeanna was instrumental in establishing enhanced behavioral health, substance use, housing, and clinical care services to meet patient needs in an urban underserved setting. She has served as an executive lead on large-scale healthcare construction efforts totaling more than $1.4 billion. Additionally, she has directed comprehensive human resources and finance efforts with experience in academic, community, and provider settings.

Dr. McKibben earned an MS in nursing administration and leadership and a BS in nursing from Chatham University, where she has served as adjunct faculty since 2008. She holds a doctorate in health care administration from Capella University, focusing on data analytics utilization to guide decision-making. Dr. McKibben holds certification in executive nursing practice through the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) and is an active member of AONL, Southwestern Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders, and Sigma Theta Tau International. She was recognized as a 2022 American Heart Association Woman of Impact and awarded a 2013 University of Pittsburgh Cameo of Caring Management Advanced Practice and a 2006 DAISY Award. She is currently the board chair for the American Heart Association Southwestern Pennsylvania Region.