Deborah Hickman, DNP, MHCA, NEA-BC, CRNFA

Deborah S. Hickman, DNP, MHCA, NEA-BC, CRNFA, is an accomplished healthcare executive and clinical leader with more than 25 years of experience in nursing administration, surgical services, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, risk management, and operational strategy. She currently serves as Chief Nursing Officer with Nutex Health and has held leadership roles with SCA First Coast Surgery Center, Mayo Clinic Florida, Baptist Health System, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, and other healthcare organizations. Dr. Hickman is recognized for advancing evidence-based practice, workforce development, patient safety, service excellence, and high-reliability care across acute, ambulatory, and perioperative settings. Her professional contributions also include healthcare consulting, national speaking engagements, clinical research, and procurement. She has held leadership positions in national nursing organizations such as Association of Perioperative Nurses, Association of Nurse Executives, and local board positions.

Born in Pennsylvania, Deborah completed high school and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in Salisbury, Maryland. She later earned her Master of Healthcare Administration in Wilmington, Delaware, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Jacksonville, Florida. She is the proud mother of two exceptional sons who reside in Georgia and Florida and have built careers in business and law. Deborah lives in Jacksonville with her extended family and beloved pets. Outside of healthcare, she is passionate about diving, art, gardening, music, animals, and connecting with people.