Nancy DeZellar Walsh, DNP, RN

HRO Expert

Dr. Nancy DeZellar Walsh has over 25 years of experience in health care administration, operations, and quality.  Before starting her own consulting practice in 2002, Nancy served as the Senior Vice President for Care Improvement at Allina Health System.

She has extensive experience with project management, including rapid cycle improvement work, a strong track record of results and a no-nonsense approach to improving care and service for patients and families.  The bulk of Dr. Walsh’s portfolio has focused on creating an exceptional patient experience and culture change on a local and national level.  She has facilitated improvement in hospitals, dental and medical clinics, homecare and hospice organizations and health plans.  The work has ranged from rural and community-based sites to major health systems and academic settings including dental and medical schools.

She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Augsburg College in Minneapolis and earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing Administration from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Walsh completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2017 from the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota.

Additionally, Dr. Walsh is on faculty for the Institute of Healthcare Improvement in Cambridge, MA with a particular interest in Joy in Work and is a national content expert and speaker on the patient and family experience and employee engagement.