Maureen S Padilla, DNP, RN, NEA-BC

Harris Health System

Dr. Maureen Padilla earned her first nursing degree in 1989 with an Associate Degree in Nursing from Galveston College in Galveston, Texas.   She began a career with the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Women’s Health which spanned a little more than 19 years, and where she earned her Baccalaureate and Masters’ Degrees.  In 2011, Maureen earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Executive Nursing Leadership through Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.  She joined Harris Health System in 2011 as the Administrative Director of Women’s Services where she implemented TeamSTEPPS across the department and was honored with the Reba Michels Hill Award by the Neonatology Section of the Baylor College of Medicine for compassionate commitment to education, patient care, research and family.  Dr. Padilla was also recognized by the Texas Nurses Association, District 9 Foundation as a Top 20 Outstanding Nurse in November 2018.  One of the most meaningful recognitions she received was awarded at the 2021 Harris Health Nursing Gala – the Daisy Lifetime Achievement Award – conferred by her nursing colleagues.

Her roles at Harris Health System include, Chief Nursing Officer for Ben Taub and Quentin Mease Hospitals; and Chief Nurse Executive for the System.  She is currently serving as the Senior Vice President for Nursing Affairs and Support Services at Harris Health System.