Debra Klemme
Winslow,Arkansas
Summary
Dynamic healthcare executive with a proven track record at Cargill, Inc., driving strategic operations and regulatory compliance. Achieved a 59.6% reduction in claim costs while enhancing workforce development and stakeholder engagement. Expert in financial stewardship and organizational change, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation across multi-site hospital management. Skilled in leading healthcare facilities through periods of significant change and improvement, with hands-on experience in strategic planning, staff development, and operational management. Known for strengths in enhancing patient care quality, implementing cost-saving measures without compromising service delivery, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Demonstrated ability to improve patient satisfaction scores and streamline hospital processes for better efficiency across various departments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Health Services Manager
Cargill, Inc.
Springdale, AR
06.2021 - Current
- Led health services strategy for a large scale industrial workforce across multiple shifts and departments.
- Engineered a 59.6% reduction in total claim costs and 92.9% drop in indemnity claims through operational redesign.
- Built a comprehensive occupational health framework integrating compliance, early intervention, and workforce wellness.
- Directed staff performance, policy compliance, and clinical protocol alignment with corporate safety objectives.
Assistant Chief Nursing Officer
HCA Largo Medical Center & Largo West Mental Health
Largo, FL
10.2019 - 12.2020
- Held executive oversight for inpatient psychiatric services and medical units, with full accountability for patient safety, quality outcomes, and regulatory readiness.
- Spearheaded crisis stabilization protocols, behavioral health reform, and suicide prevention programs in partnership with state and federal stakeholders.
- Managed regulatory compliance across The Joint Commission, CMS, and state agencies.
- Led multi-million-dollar budgets, optimized staffing models, and integrated enterprise-level workforce strategies.
Director of Nursing – Acute Services
Oklahoma State University Medical Center
Tulsa, OK
07.2015 - 10.2019
- Directed clinical operations for a 199-bed tertiary care hospital, supervising multiple service lines including ICU, telemetry, and surgical units.
- Championed a Clinical Career Ladder program, reducing turnover and improving nurse engagement scores by 22%.
- Led quality improvement and strategic planning in collaboration with C-suite and board leadership.
Director of Nursing – Surgical & Specialty Services
Northwest Surgical Hospital
Oklahoma City, OK
05.2012 - 07.2015
- Reported to the Chief Nursing Officer, responsible for perioperative services, quality programs, and budgetary oversight.
- Integrated evidence-based practice with operational KPIs, achieving 98% compliance across core quality metrics.
- Executed long range planning and surgical throughput redesign to increase case volume and efficiency.
Nurse Manager
Lakeside Women’s Hospital
Oklahoma City, OK
03.1999 - 05.2012
- Served in progressive leadership roles including Nurse Manager, Surgery Charge Nurse, and Level II Nursery Nurse.
- Directed clinical operations in surgical and obstetric units, promoting safe and effective transitions across pre-op, post-op, and inpatient care.
- Led interdisciplinary communication and team development to streamline workflows and enhance patient outcomes.
- Drove infection control, patient education, and compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards.
- Developed and implemented patient-centered initiatives focused on satisfaction and readmission prevention.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing, Leadership Focus
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Tulsa, OK03.2019
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Our Lady of the Lake College
Baton Rouge, LA12.2016
Associate Degree - Nursing
Grayson County College
Denison, TX05.1998
Skills
- Executive Healthcare Leadership
- Strategic Operations Management
- Regulatory Compliance (CMS, TJC, OSHA)
- Enterprise Risk Mitigation
- Workforce Development & Succession Planning
- Multi-site Hospital Management
- Behavioral Health Systems Oversight
- Utilization Management & Discharge Planning
- Organizational Change & Culture
- Financial Stewardship & Budget Optimization
- Population Health & Care Continuum Strategy
- Stakeholder Engagement & Board Reporting
Certification
- FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, 800
- Crucial Conversations Leadership Course
- Hazmat Level 3 Training
- NIOSH Certified Pulmonary Function Testing
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Timeline
Health Services Manager
Cargill, Inc.
06.2021 - Current
Assistant Chief Nursing Officer
HCA Largo Medical Center & Largo West Mental Health
10.2019 - 12.2020
Director of Nursing – Acute Services
Oklahoma State University Medical Center
07.2015 - 10.2019
Director of Nursing – Surgical & Specialty Services
Northwest Surgical Hospital
05.2012 - 07.2015
Nurse Manager
Lakeside Women’s Hospital
03.1999 - 05.2012
Master of Science - Nursing, Leadership Focus
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Our Lady of the Lake College
Associate Degree - Nursing
Grayson County College
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