By Sarah White • Staff Reporter, Williamson Herald —

Originally published in the Williamson Herald —

In her 37 years at Williamson Health, Lori Orme has not only seen the hospital grow, but has been a fundamental instrument of its changes and improvements. After more than four decades in nursing service, the organization’s Chief Nursing Officer retired on Friday, August 23, 2024.

From her start at Williamson Health as an oncology nurse, to clinical coordinator, to director and then vice president of surgical services before becoming CNO, Orme has brought a unique passion and skillset to each role. In all her years, her colleagues have said her commitment to her patients to the organization has never wavered.  

“Lori has been the most impactful Chief Nursing Officer that I have ever been associated with in my 43 years in the health care field,” said Williamson Health CEO Phil Mazzuca. “In the three years I’ve been associated with Williamson Health, Lori has proven to be one of the most valuable and knowledgeable members of our Executive Leadership team.”

With Orme working both behind the scenes to improve operations and hands on with patients, Williamson Health has grown from a 144-bed hospital to a regional health system with a new 344-bed central medical center. 

“I’ve witnessed our organization evolve into a comprehensive healthcare system, marked by numerous expansion projects at Williamson Medical Center – including the recent West Tower project – as well as the opening of many other locations including Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, the Williamson Health Outpatient Imaging Center, numerous Williamson Health Medical Group clinics and so much more,” Orme said.  

While it’s hard to quantify the exact impact Orme has had on the organization throughout her many roles and years of service, her coworkers admire her ability to creatively problem solve and build improvements everywhere she goes.

“She just strives to leave everything she touches a little bit better. That might mean more organized, more efficient, more relatable, or more compassionate, but better in some way,” said Brad Bullock, the Williamson Health Hospitalist program officer who came to the job because of Orme.  

Health care work presents new challenges every day, but Orme has helped guide Williamson Health through unprecedented problems. In 2020, she co-chaired the systems COVID-19 taskforce, keeping her team prepared for the worst while still maintaining a focus on patient care. 

“Her problem-solving skills and adaptability were clearly demonstrated as her motivation was to keep patients, staff and community members safe — no matter what the environment dictated,” Mazzuca said of her work during the pandemic. 

“That’s how she approaches things — she just rolls up her sleeves and jumps in and collaboratively tries to get to the best answer we can,” Bullock added. 

She, of course, humbly credits the efforts and dedication of the entire Williamson Health team in conquering the challenges of the pandemic and more. 

“Through it all, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been incredibly proud of our workforce’s bravery and dedication,” Orme said. “The culture we’ve built—rooted in excellence and mutual support—is something I cherish deeply”

Orme was also a driving force in bringing a Patient Experience officer to Williamson Health. In line with Orme’s dedication to her patients, this role ensures everyone who walks through any Williamson Health doors feels seen and valued. 

“Virtually everyone is focused on making sure we provide top quality care, and Lori wanted to make sure we didn’t lose sight of the reason we were providing that care,” Bullock said. 

At the center of her life and career is Orme’s passion for helping others. Outside of Williamson Health, Orme has served on the THA Quality Committee, two Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network Committees, A Vintage Affair, and Franklin Tomorrow. 

Those who know her well say that her thoughtful compassion for everyone is unmatched.  

“Her passion for her work, her servant leadership style, her unwavering dedication to high-quality patient care and her support and advocacy on behalf of her clinical team are what sets Lori apart,” Mazzuca said. 

She has a “contagious passion,” according to Bullock, that cannot be replaced after she leaves, but Orme’s friends and coworkers are excited for her to start her next chapter of life in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. 

“What I will miss most is her sense of humor and honest and genuine nature,” Mazzuca said. “She is truly a health care hero and an extraordinary member of the Williamson Health team.”

Orme plans to spend her retirement close to her family pursuing new and old hobbies, but she will never forget her time at Williamson Health.

“This career has been a source of immense joy and fulfillment, offering constant opportunities for learning, growth, and impact. Serving Williamson Health and our community has been a profound honor, and I will always treasure these years of service,” Orme said.