LaVern W. Delaney, DNP, MBA, MHA, RN, NE-BC, is the Associate Chief Nurse for Medicine and Heart Center Nursing at Massachusetts General Hospital.

LaVern oversees and collaborates with nursing directors, their respective clinical nurse specialists, nursing practice specialists, and interdisciplinary teams for daily operations and clinical practice.  She has more than 20 clinical settings, with over 1300 nurses and other clinical employees.

Before her work at Mass General, LaVern served in various clinical and administrative roles at the University of Virginia, Sentara Healthcare, and Cone Health System.  Most recently, serving as the vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer at Cone Health Alamance Regional Medical Center, North Carolina.  

Her nursing career spans over 30 years, specializing in cardiac services, patient and family-centered care, coaching and leadership development, interdisciplinary planning and coordination, lean methodology, continuous process design and improvement, and building professional practice environments.

LaVern is executive nurse board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. A graduate of The Health Management Academy of GE Fellows Program for Nursing Executives. She is a member of the American Nurses Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives.  Her recognitions include Great 100 Nurse in North Carolina, Outstanding Nurse in Virginia, and Excellence and Dedication in the Profession by the National Association of Professional Women. She earned a Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing degrees from the University of Virginia, a Master of Business and Health Administration from Pfeiffer University, and a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Wake Forest University School of Medicine.