Baptist Health announced that Melissa P. Emerson, MBA, BSN, R.N., has been named the new chief operating officer of Bethesda Hospital.

Emerson first started her career as a personal care assistant and nurse extern at Bethesda Hospital nearly two decades ago. She has now come full circle with her new role after serving as chief nursing officer for Broward Health Coral Springs. She also has experience working with Good Samaritan Medical Center and Delray Medical Center.

Emerson earned her Associate in Science in Nursing from Palm Beach Community College and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration degrees from Florida Atlantic University. An active member of the community, she currently serves on the Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing Advisory Board.