Mary Beth Kingston
November 2024
Mary Beth
Kingston
,
PhD, RN, FAAN
Advocate Health
Advocate Health
Chicago
,
IL
United States
Dr. Kingston's impact is felt on a deeply personal level by those she supports. Her direct connection with frontline nurses and leaders sets her apart, as she is known for her genuine care, active listening, and unwavering support for everyone's unique journey. Dr. Kingston's authentic approach to mentorship fosters an environment where nurses feel valued, heard, and empowered.
We are honored to nominate Dr. Mary Beth Kingston, whose distinguished career as a transformational nursing leader has significantly elevated the nursing profession and patient care for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. With more than 45 years of service, Dr. Kingston exemplifies the ideals of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award through her leadership, advocacy, mentorship and commitment to advancing nursing practice.
Distinguished Career and Leadership
Dr. Kingston has had a remarkable career in both clinical and administrative roles, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Advocate Health, the third largest nonprofit health system in the U.S. Her leadership has transformed nursing practice across a system of 69 hospitals and over 42,000 nurses. Throughout her career, Dr. Kingston has consistently promoted a positive image of professional nursing, ensuring that nurses are recognized as essential partners in health care delivery.
Her ability to lead Advocate Health’s nursing team through times of significant change, including the 2022 combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health, is a testament to her visionary leadership. Under her guidance, Advocate Health developed a collaborative approach that sought to implement the best practices across both organizations, rather than simply adopting one system’s policies. Her transparent and authentic communication style has fostered an environment where nurses feel valued and empowered.
Professional Development and Mentorship
Dr. Kingston is deeply committed to the professional growth of nurses. She actively encourages her team members to pursue certification, education and participation in professional nursing organizations, modeling these behaviors through her own engagement in leadership roles, including her past presidency of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) and her trusteeship with the American Hospital Association. Her leadership has been instrumental in the professional development of countless nurse leaders, many of whom have gone on to serve as Chief Nursing Officers themselves. I count myself as one of those nurse leaders who has benefitted from Mary Beth’s leadership.
Dr. Kingston has also made significant contributions to ensuring the success of novice nurses. Under her leadership, all Advocate Health hospitals have been accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Transition to Practice Accreditation Program® to support new nurses in their transition from student to practitioner. This initiative has resulted in higher nurse retention rates and increased confidence and competence among new nurses.
Advocacy for Patient Care and Nursing Excellence
Throughout her career, Dr. Kingston has been a passionate advocate for improving patient care and enhancing the patient's experience. Her work in promoting workplace safety and resilience for healthcare workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects her dedication to both patients and the professionals who care for them. Dr. Kingston co-led Advocate Aurora’s COVID-19 response and developed innovative programs to support the mental health and well-being of frontline staff, including peer support programs and resilience initiatives.
Her commitment to reducing workplace violence is significant. As chair of the American Hospital Association’s Hospitals Against Violence group, Dr. Kingston co-authored an article advocating for stronger protections for healthcare workers through the SAVE Act. Her advocacy for a safer working environment ensures that nurses can focus on providing the highest quality of care to their patients.
Transformational Leadership Recognized by the Nursing Community
Dr. Kingston is widely recognized as a transformational leader in the nursing community. Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinicians, AONL Lifetime Achievement award and Becker’s Hospital and Health System CNOs to Know. She is a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion within the nursing profession and has led efforts to ensure Advocate Health’s workforce reflects the diverse communities they serve.
In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Kingston has published extensively on topics such as nursing innovation, workplace violence reduction and health care workforce well-being. She has played an instrumental role in shaping the future of nursing through her advocacy, mentorship and commitment to excellence.
A Lifetime of Service to the Nursing Profession
With more than 45 years of service, Dr. Kingston has dedicated her life to advancing the nursing profession and improving patient care. Her servant leadership, her ability to inspire and mentor others, and her unwavering commitment to improving health care make her an ideal candidate for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Kingston’s influence will continue to shape nursing practice for years to come, and her legacy as a compassionate, visionary leader is one that will resonate across the health care community.
Here are a few personal messages from teammates.
-As I reflect on my time as Midwest Professional Governance President, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for having started my term under the guidance of Mary Beth Kingston. From the beginning, she didn’t just set a high standard—she made us believe we could rise to it. Even as a member of the Midwest Shared Governance Council, I saw how Mary Beth went beyond the usual executive updates. She would take the time to connect, listen, and ensure that we, the direct care nurses, knew our voices had weight and purpose in this organization.
Her mentorship has personally transformed my approach to leadership. When I faced moments of doubt or challenge, it was Mary Beth’s example that reminded me of the power of empathetic, servant leadership. She has shown me that true leadership is rooted in integrity, courage, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—not just for oneself but for everyone you lead. Mary Beth’s presence in my professional journey has taught me to advocate fearlessly for the voices of nurses, fostering a shared sense of purpose and dedication to our patients and each other.
In a role where the path can often feel daunting, her steadfast support has made me not only a better leader but a stronger person. Mary Beth doesn’t just lead; she instills a vision that encourages all of us to step forward, knowing we are part of something greater. I am honored to contribute to this nomination, as her legacy will forever inspire me and countless others to carry forward her mission of empowerment and excellence. For all these reasons and more, I can think of no one more deserving of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.
-I’m a professional nurse at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the past Midwest Nursing Professional Development Council Chair.
Including an additional section on her direct connection to frontline nurses and leaders further reinforces her personal and authentic commitment to supporting and mentoring nurses, making her an exemplary candidate for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. An example of this is when I lost a childhood friend and nursing colleague to suicide in August of 2018, and we lost around 6 teammates to suicide in Wisconsin between August and December of 2018. MaryBeth gave me her cell phone number and mentored me on my journey to being engaged in Zero Suicide Initiatives in the Midwest, and now across the Enterprise. She answered my calls while on vacation in California with her husband and demonstrated a commitment to staying connected with the frontline. Gestures like this were a contributing factor to my strong commitment to our organization.
Dr. Kingston's impact is felt on a deeply personal level by those she supports. Her direct connection with frontline nurses and leaders sets her apart, as she is known for her genuine care, active listening, and unwavering support for everyone's unique journey. Dr. Kingston's authentic approach to mentorship fosters an environment where nurses feel valued, heard, and empowered. Her hands-on involvement provides frontline nurses and future leaders with a trusted ally who understands the challenges of nursing firsthand. By cultivating meaningful relationships and demonstrating her commitment to each teammate’s growth, Dr. Kingston has left an indelible mark on nursing teams across Advocate Health and beyond.
-While Mary Beth has had an impressive career filled with accomplishments, her remarkable ability to remain grounded and accessible to her teammates truly stands out. She is such a strong supporter of professional governance and the role she plays as a nurse leader. She places high value on the voice of the nurse and then advocates for us at the highest level because she understands the impact we all have on the care and safety of the patients and families we serve.
When I stepped into the role of Southeast Region President of Nursing Staff, she took time out of her day to meet with me, answering questions thoughtfully and with care. On one of her visits to Charlotte, I rounded with her and was immediately struck by how down-to-earth she is. She took time to stop and talk to as many people as time allowed (and probably more than we really had time for!) She asked questions and listened to the answers. She was open and transparent, and when nurses asked her questions, she answered them authentically.
She has been open about her journey into nursing, how it started as a patient and the fact that the blending of science and compassion she received in her care drew her to our field. She has continued that blend, leading us into the future of AI technology, virtual nursing and more, while working tirelessly to keep all of us safe at work while fostering a supportive and collaborative environment across Advocate Health.
For these reasons, and so many more, it is our distinct honor to recognize Dr. Mary Beth Kingston with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.
Distinguished Career and Leadership
Dr. Kingston has had a remarkable career in both clinical and administrative roles, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Advocate Health, the third largest nonprofit health system in the U.S. Her leadership has transformed nursing practice across a system of 69 hospitals and over 42,000 nurses. Throughout her career, Dr. Kingston has consistently promoted a positive image of professional nursing, ensuring that nurses are recognized as essential partners in health care delivery.
Her ability to lead Advocate Health’s nursing team through times of significant change, including the 2022 combination of Advocate Aurora Health and Atrium Health, is a testament to her visionary leadership. Under her guidance, Advocate Health developed a collaborative approach that sought to implement the best practices across both organizations, rather than simply adopting one system’s policies. Her transparent and authentic communication style has fostered an environment where nurses feel valued and empowered.
Professional Development and Mentorship
Dr. Kingston is deeply committed to the professional growth of nurses. She actively encourages her team members to pursue certification, education and participation in professional nursing organizations, modeling these behaviors through her own engagement in leadership roles, including her past presidency of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) and her trusteeship with the American Hospital Association. Her leadership has been instrumental in the professional development of countless nurse leaders, many of whom have gone on to serve as Chief Nursing Officers themselves. I count myself as one of those nurse leaders who has benefitted from Mary Beth’s leadership.
Dr. Kingston has also made significant contributions to ensuring the success of novice nurses. Under her leadership, all Advocate Health hospitals have been accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Transition to Practice Accreditation Program® to support new nurses in their transition from student to practitioner. This initiative has resulted in higher nurse retention rates and increased confidence and competence among new nurses.
Advocacy for Patient Care and Nursing Excellence
Throughout her career, Dr. Kingston has been a passionate advocate for improving patient care and enhancing the patient's experience. Her work in promoting workplace safety and resilience for healthcare workers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects her dedication to both patients and the professionals who care for them. Dr. Kingston co-led Advocate Aurora’s COVID-19 response and developed innovative programs to support the mental health and well-being of frontline staff, including peer support programs and resilience initiatives.
Her commitment to reducing workplace violence is significant. As chair of the American Hospital Association’s Hospitals Against Violence group, Dr. Kingston co-authored an article advocating for stronger protections for healthcare workers through the SAVE Act. Her advocacy for a safer working environment ensures that nurses can focus on providing the highest quality of care to their patients.
Transformational Leadership Recognized by the Nursing Community
Dr. Kingston is widely recognized as a transformational leader in the nursing community. Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinicians, AONL Lifetime Achievement award and Becker’s Hospital and Health System CNOs to Know. She is a champion of diversity, equity and inclusion within the nursing profession and has led efforts to ensure Advocate Health’s workforce reflects the diverse communities they serve.
In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Kingston has published extensively on topics such as nursing innovation, workplace violence reduction and health care workforce well-being. She has played an instrumental role in shaping the future of nursing through her advocacy, mentorship and commitment to excellence.
A Lifetime of Service to the Nursing Profession
With more than 45 years of service, Dr. Kingston has dedicated her life to advancing the nursing profession and improving patient care. Her servant leadership, her ability to inspire and mentor others, and her unwavering commitment to improving health care make her an ideal candidate for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Kingston’s influence will continue to shape nursing practice for years to come, and her legacy as a compassionate, visionary leader is one that will resonate across the health care community.
Here are a few personal messages from teammates.
-As I reflect on my time as Midwest Professional Governance President, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for having started my term under the guidance of Mary Beth Kingston. From the beginning, she didn’t just set a high standard—she made us believe we could rise to it. Even as a member of the Midwest Shared Governance Council, I saw how Mary Beth went beyond the usual executive updates. She would take the time to connect, listen, and ensure that we, the direct care nurses, knew our voices had weight and purpose in this organization.
Her mentorship has personally transformed my approach to leadership. When I faced moments of doubt or challenge, it was Mary Beth’s example that reminded me of the power of empathetic, servant leadership. She has shown me that true leadership is rooted in integrity, courage, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—not just for oneself but for everyone you lead. Mary Beth’s presence in my professional journey has taught me to advocate fearlessly for the voices of nurses, fostering a shared sense of purpose and dedication to our patients and each other.
In a role where the path can often feel daunting, her steadfast support has made me not only a better leader but a stronger person. Mary Beth doesn’t just lead; she instills a vision that encourages all of us to step forward, knowing we are part of something greater. I am honored to contribute to this nomination, as her legacy will forever inspire me and countless others to carry forward her mission of empowerment and excellence. For all these reasons and more, I can think of no one more deserving of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.
-I’m a professional nurse at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the past Midwest Nursing Professional Development Council Chair.
Including an additional section on her direct connection to frontline nurses and leaders further reinforces her personal and authentic commitment to supporting and mentoring nurses, making her an exemplary candidate for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. An example of this is when I lost a childhood friend and nursing colleague to suicide in August of 2018, and we lost around 6 teammates to suicide in Wisconsin between August and December of 2018. MaryBeth gave me her cell phone number and mentored me on my journey to being engaged in Zero Suicide Initiatives in the Midwest, and now across the Enterprise. She answered my calls while on vacation in California with her husband and demonstrated a commitment to staying connected with the frontline. Gestures like this were a contributing factor to my strong commitment to our organization.
Dr. Kingston's impact is felt on a deeply personal level by those she supports. Her direct connection with frontline nurses and leaders sets her apart, as she is known for her genuine care, active listening, and unwavering support for everyone's unique journey. Dr. Kingston's authentic approach to mentorship fosters an environment where nurses feel valued, heard, and empowered. Her hands-on involvement provides frontline nurses and future leaders with a trusted ally who understands the challenges of nursing firsthand. By cultivating meaningful relationships and demonstrating her commitment to each teammate’s growth, Dr. Kingston has left an indelible mark on nursing teams across Advocate Health and beyond.
-While Mary Beth has had an impressive career filled with accomplishments, her remarkable ability to remain grounded and accessible to her teammates truly stands out. She is such a strong supporter of professional governance and the role she plays as a nurse leader. She places high value on the voice of the nurse and then advocates for us at the highest level because she understands the impact we all have on the care and safety of the patients and families we serve.
When I stepped into the role of Southeast Region President of Nursing Staff, she took time out of her day to meet with me, answering questions thoughtfully and with care. On one of her visits to Charlotte, I rounded with her and was immediately struck by how down-to-earth she is. She took time to stop and talk to as many people as time allowed (and probably more than we really had time for!) She asked questions and listened to the answers. She was open and transparent, and when nurses asked her questions, she answered them authentically.
She has been open about her journey into nursing, how it started as a patient and the fact that the blending of science and compassion she received in her care drew her to our field. She has continued that blend, leading us into the future of AI technology, virtual nursing and more, while working tirelessly to keep all of us safe at work while fostering a supportive and collaborative environment across Advocate Health.
For these reasons, and so many more, it is our distinct honor to recognize Dr. Mary Beth Kingston with the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.