Children’s & Women’s Hospital CEO earns national recognition
Since becoming CEO, Browning has expanded the hospital’s child life program to provide daily pediatric emergency center coverage and created new outreach roles to bridge healthcare gaps for underserved communities.
By Casandra Andrews
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For the second year, Children’s & Women’s Hospital CEO Deborah Browning, MSN, RN, CENP, has been named to the “Women Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review.
Becker's released the most recent edition of its national list this month. Read the full story here.
“Debbie’s repeat recognition by Becker’s comes as no surprise to those of us who work with her,” said Natalie Fox, DNP, PNP-BC, CEO of USA Health. “She leads with a rare combination of clinical insight, strategic determination, and deep empathy for patients and caregivers. Under her guidance, Children’s & Women’s Hospital is reaching new heights in patient care and community advocacy.”
In 2021, Browning joined USA Health, the academic health system for the University of South Alabama, as chief nursing officer at Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Later, she became interim administrator and was promoted to CEO in 2023.
During her time at USA Health, Browning led a $20 million expansion of the only pediatric emergency center on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, doubling its size and enhancing care capabilities. The hospital has also gained national recognition by partnering with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement to address maternal health disparities, becoming one of only five hospitals in the U.S. selected for the institute’s postpartum equity initiative.
Since becoming CEO, Browning has expanded the hospital’s child life program to provide daily pediatric emergency center coverage and created new outreach roles to bridge healthcare gaps for underserved communities. The hospital also has earned recognition as a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, and a master’s degree in nursing administration from the University of Phoenix. Prior to joining Children’s & Women’s Hospital, Browning served as chief nursing officer at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City. She has been responsible for women’s and/or children’s service lines at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in Charleston, South Carolina.
