Marsha A. Prater

Marsha Prater has served as chief nursing officer for over 30 years, providing executive leadership for the development of a nationally recognized nursing professional practice environment and supporting structures that enable the integration of evidence-based patient care standards and operational processes throughout the health system. She ensures the development and implementation of the MH Nursing Strategic Plan that facilitates the ongoing strengthening of a culture of nursing excellence throughout MH and the achievement of safe, high-quality patient, provider and organizational outcomes. Dr. Prater also focuses significant time on fostering relationships with regional academic programs to expand the capability and capacity of a health care workforce to meet the current and future needs of the communities served by Memorial Health.

Dr. Prater has been with Memorial since 1990, initially serving as the administrator for oncology services until assuming her current role. Dr. Prater received her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Illinois Wesleyan University and her master's and doctorate degrees from Southern Illinois University. She is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, holds ANCC certification as a nurse executive advanced-board certified and is a member of several professional nursing and healthcare leadership organizations. Dr. Prater also holds adjunct academic positions at Mennonite College of Nursing at Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville School of Nursing, and SIU School of Medicine, and has been a member of the Illinois Nursing Workforce Center Board since 2010.