Horizon Health Announces Chief Nursing Officer

Rachel Kelley returns in new role

Rachel Kelley has returned to Horizon Health in a new role as vice president of nursing and chief nursing officer.

“I’m excited to be back connecting and reconnecting with everyone,” Kelley said. “I’ve been overwhelmed by how welcoming everyone has been.”

Kelley is a key member of the Horizon Health administrative team. She oversees the nursing staff and clinical support staff, which is Horizon Health’s largest employee group. Her duties include working with organizational leadership and front-line staff to ensure exceptional patient care, while supporting strategic initiatives.

Kelley stated: “I’m an advocate for patients, the community, and staff using their voice to ensure we’re making the right changes to provide an excellent experience and high quality, compassionate care.”

Kelley joined Horizon Health in 2012 as the staff development/regulatory compliance specialist officer. She left Horizon Health in 2016 to expand her professional and leadership skill set as a patient care director, then was promoted to interim chief nursing officer at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. She served as chief nursing officer at Terre Haute Regional Hospital from 2018-2021.

“We’re glad to have Rachel back,” said Oliver Smith, Horizon Health president and CEO. “Her exceptional leadership skills and extensive nursing experience will continue to guide us in a positive direction.”

Kelley said she returned to Horizon Health because of the “family atmosphere” of the organization and community. Prior to her return, Eunice Chaney, RN, BSN, risk manager, was Horizon Health’s interim chief nursing officer.

“The people here are genuine, friendly, and have compassion for our patients and each other,” Kelley said.

Kelley has 33 years of healthcare experience, which includes 26 years as a nurse, serving in various leadership roles. She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s of science degree with healthcare certification from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is a certified healthcare manager through a certification course at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.

Kelley was born in Indianapolis and raised in Rosedale, Indiana. She and her husband, Clay, live in Terre Haute and have five children: Austin, Stefan, Shae, Maria, and Gavin, along with their family dog, Leonard. In her free time, Kelley enjoys walking, bicycling, photography, and spending time with family.