Sue Ela, RN, honored for outstanding achievements in nursing

Sue Ela, RN, senior vice president for Aurora Health Care, and president of its metro region, has been chosen for Fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN).

The Academy creates initiatives that drive reform of America's health care system. It is governed by a 10-member board of directors who are elected by the elite group of 1,500 Fellows. Fellows are highly accomplished nursing leaders in education, management, practice and research who have been recognized for their extraordinary nursing careers.

"It is a privilege to be a nurse and to work with the thousands of skilled and dedicated nurses at Aurora Health Care," Ela said. "I am thrilled to be honored for this work that I love so much, and I look forward to working with the AAN to serve the public and the nursing profession by advancing health policy."

Nick Turkal, MD, president and CEO of Aurora, said: "Aurora is proud to have Sue Ela on our leadership team. Sue combines keen business insight with heart and she is a passionate champion of nurses and the nursing profession."

Ela has more than 30 years of nursing and health care leadership experience. In her current role at Aurora, she is responsible for hospitals, clinics and facilities in Milwaukee County, including Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Aurora Sinai Medical Center, West Allis Memorial Hospital, St. Luke's South Shore and Aurora Psychiatric Hospital. Ela provides clinical leadership for Care Management and Quality, Clinical Research and Patient Safety.
Among her accomplishments are playing a key role in helping establish the Wisconsin Center for Nursing and the Aurora VNA Zilber Family Hospice.

In 2007, she received the Peak Performer award from the Wisconsin Business Hall of Fame. In 2006, she received the Sacagawea Award from Professional Dimensions for her career accomplishments, community commitment and support for the advancement of women.

She serves on the Aurora Health Care Management Committee as well as a variety of community boards and organizations including the Greater Milwaukee Committee, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee. Ela co-chaired the United Way of Greater Milwaukee Community Campaign in 2003, exceeding the fund raising goal of $35 million.

Aurora Health Care is a not-for-profit Wisconsin health care provider and a national leader in efforts to improve the quality of health care. Aurora offers care at sites in more than 90 communities throughout eastern Wisconsin.

###

Contact: Sue Pierman (414-647-6432)