New Chief Nursing Officer At UP Health System-Portage

UP Health System—Portage has a new Chief Nursing Officer.

Assistant Chief Nursing Officer Ryan Heinonen, MBA, MSN, RN, CPPS, was promoted to replace retiring CNO Deb Young after her 39 years of service.

Heinonen has been with UP Health System – Portage for 9 years, starting as a staff nurse in 2010. He has worked in various staff and leadership roles, including Shift Supervisor, Department Manager, Director of multiple departments, and most recently, Assistant CNO.

Heinonen received his Associates Degree of Nursing from Gogebic Community College, Bachelors of Nursing, Masters of Science in Nursing Leadership, and Masters of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University.

He is also a Certified Professional of Patient Safety by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, as well as a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

When asked what he will look forward to most about starting this new position, Heinonen stated, “UP Health System – Portage is an exceptional place to receive care, and it’s my true honor to lead our nursing teams and patient care services. I look forward to collaborating with our physicians and multidisciplinary team to continually advance our care and services.”

“We are very excited to welcome Ryan into his new position,” UP Health System – Portage CEO Randy Neiswonger said. “We believe Ryan will be a great leader for our nursing teams, and we have no doubt that he will excel as CNO.”

Previous Chief Nursing Officer, Deb Young, gave UP Health System – Portage 39 years of dedicated service, compassion, and commitment to the organization and community.

“In 39 years, I don’t know that anybody can express the gratitude I have had for all of these people. I am so grateful, this is the best team. You have made my career just wonderful. I don’t know what else to say except thank you,” Young said.

“We are celebrating a huge milestone from one of our very own leaders here,” Neiswonger said. “We are so fortunate to have worked with her, and so fortunate to be able to celebrate her professional achievements over the years.”