Marcia Baker
Kernersville,NC
Summary
Visionary patient safety executive with a proven record of transforming care delivery across complex, enterprise-scale health systems — driving measurable reductions in preventable harm, embedding high-reliability cultures, and elevating clinical excellence from the bedside to the boardroom. Recognized for advancing high-reliability frameworks, reducing preventable harm, and driving measurable improvements in patient outcomes. Adept at collaborating with C-Suite leaders, physician executives, and cross-functional teams to design scalable, evidence-based strategies that strengthen organizational performance. Proven ability to build governance structures, mentor emerging leaders, and guide system transformation through data-driven decision making and operational excellence.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Manager | Assistant Nurse Manager | Staff Development Clinician | Staff Registered Nurse
Forsyth Medical Center
Director, Patient Safety Program
Novant Health
01.2012 - Current
- Enterprise-level leader responsible for advancing the First Do No Harm (FDNH) patient safety program and strengthening system reliability across hospitals, ambulatory sites, and clinical service lines. Partner with C-Suite executives, physician leaders, and operational teams to drive strategic safety initiatives, improve quality metrics, and embed high-reliability practices across the organization.
- Key Achievements:
- Led system-wide patient safety and clinical excellence initiatives, achieving an 85% reduction in serious safety events and driving measurable improvements in reliability across multiple care environments.
- Developed and executed long-term patient safety strategies aligned with organizational priorities, regulatory requirements, and evidence-based best practices.
- Collaborated with executive leaders to strengthen quality performance indicators, improve patient outcomes, and advance organizational safety culture.
- Led cause analysis for the enterprise, including Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Apparent Cause Analysis (ACA), Common Cause Analysis (CCA), and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), ensuring consistent application and driving organizational learning across all care settings.
- Designed and monitored performance metrics that informed strategic decision making and guided continuous improvement efforts.
- Led multidisciplinary teams in identifying system vulnerabilities, implementing mitigation strategies, and driving sustainable process improvements.
- Established governance structures that increased accountability, transparency, and alignment across clinical and operational teams.
- Provided executive guidance on regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and quality management strategies.
- Built strategic partnerships with internal and external healthcare organizations and physician groups to advance patient safety science and innovation.
- Presented strategic recommendations to senior leadership, influencing enterprise-level decisions and resource allocation.
- Mentored emerging leaders, strengthening organizational capability in patient safety, quality improvement, and high-reliability practices.
Online Adjunct Instructor / Facilitator
University of Phoenix
01.2008 - 01.2026
- Educated and mentored graduate-level healthcare students, strengthening leadership, communication, and analytical competencies essential for modern healthcare environments.
- Integrated real-world patient safety and quality improvement scenarios to enhance critical thinking and application of evidence-based practices.
- Supported leadership development through structured feedback, coaching, and curriculum enhancement.
- Contributed to academic excellence by refining instructional content and aligning learning outcomes with industry standards.
Corporate Educator
Novant Health
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Led system-wide education initiatives supporting clinical excellence, workforce readiness, and organizational culture development.
- Accelerated competency development for new hires and clinical teams through high-impact orientation and training programs.
- Advanced health equity initiatives as a trained facilitator, strengthening organizational culture and promoting equitable care delivery.
- Supported accreditation readiness and compliance as ANCC coordinator.
- Delivered leadership, clinical, and life support training that improved team preparedness and patient care quality.
Education
Doctorate - Healthcare Administration, DHA
University of Phoenix
2011
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
Gardner-Webb University
05-2004
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Winstion Salem State University
05-1992
Skills
- Enterprise Patient Safety Leadership
- Clinical Excellence & Quality Improvement
- Regulatory Compliance
- High Reliability Organization (HRO) Strategies
- Risk Mitigation
- Strategic Planning & Organizational Transformation
- Evidence-Based Program Implementation
- Multidisciplinary Team Leadership
- Governance & Accountability Structures
- Performance Measurement & Analytics
- Executive Collaboration
- Stakeholder Engagement
Websites
Certification
- Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)
- Lean Green Belt
Timeline
Director, Patient Safety Program
Novant Health
01.2012 - Current
Online Adjunct Instructor / Facilitator
University of Phoenix
01.2008 - 01.2026
Corporate Educator
Novant Health
01.2007 - 01.2012
Nurse Manager | Assistant Nurse Manager | Staff Development Clinician | Staff Registered Nurse
Forsyth Medical Center
Doctorate - Healthcare Administration, DHA
University of Phoenix
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
Gardner-Webb University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Winstion Salem State University
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES & CONTRIBUTIONS
- Press Ganey HX26 Podium Presentation (2024): Prioritizing Safety: A Strategic Roadmap to Reducing the Occurrence of Safety Events
- Press Ganey HX24 Poster Presentation (2024): I'll Be Your Oxygen: Mitigating Oxygen-Related Risks
- Press Ganey Patient Safety Organization Webinar (2022): Safety 2025 High Reliability Learning Series
- Vizient Knowledge on the Go Podcast (2021): High Reliability
- IHI Patient Safety Congress Poster Presentations (2019): System-Wide Safety Event Classification Team and Early Notification System
- HPI/Press Ganey Safety Summit Poster Presentation (2017): Collegial Interactive Team Training for Board of Trustees
- AJMQ Abstract Publication (2017): Get to the Point: Engaging Patients & Families at the Sharp End
- IHI National Forum Storyboard Presentation (2016): I Can Classify That Safety Event in Three Notes