Beena Peters, DNP, Chief Nursing Executive at Cook County Health, has received the Joan L. Shaver Outstanding Illinois Nurse Leader Award from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, which recognizes a nurse leader who is highly influential in shaping quality health care in Illinois. 

“A leader’s ability to motivate and inspire is central to their success and we are fortunate to have an exceptional nurse leader in Dr. Peters,” said Israel Rocha, CEO, Cook County Health. “Her contributions to Cook County Health have led to holistic enhancements of nursing care and outcomes across our health system. On behalf of CCH, congratulations to Dr. Peters and the entire team!”    

The award is named after UIC College of Nursing Dean Emerita Dr. Joan Shaver, who established the Power of Nursing Leadership event to celebrate excellence in nursing beginning in 1998. The Shaver Award honors the hard work, commitment, and dedication necessary to serve the health care needs of the people of Illinois through supremely skilled leadership and the courage to break through barriers. It symbolizes the celebration of individual achievement and represents excellence in nursing leadership for our state. The award was presented at UIC’s Power of Nursing Leadership event on November 3, 2023.  

“It is an honor to be recognized with the Shaver Outstanding Illinois Nurse Leader Award. For me, this acknowledgment is not an individual award, but a reflection of the exemplary, high-quality care provided by our nursing team across Cook County Health,” said Dr. Peters.  

In her role as Chief Nursing Executive at Cook County Health, Dr. Peters oversees the nursing leadership for two hospitals, a robust ambulatory health center network, public health department and correctional health, and a health plan. During her five-year tenure at CCH, Dr. Peters has redesigned the nursing quality programs to refocus on patient safety and quality, and implemented a Nursing Leadership Academy and Nursing Academic Partnership programs, Clinical Nurse Leader roles, and much more.  

Under Dr. Peters’ leadership, CCH achieved significant improvement in nurse-sensitive quality indicators by implementing evidence-based best practices and high-reliable principles. Dr. Peters’ visionary leadership, hard work, and dedication to excellence have significantly elevated the CCH nursing practice and the health of the community.