Orla Brandos, DNP, MBA, RN, CPHQ, NEA-BC, FACHE, FPCC Appointed as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer
September 29, 2025Hospital for Special Care (HFSC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Orla Brandos, DNP, MBA, RN, CPHQ, NEA-BC, FACHE, FPCC as its new Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer.
Dr. Brandos brings more than 34 years of healthcare leadership experience spanning clinical operations, nursing excellence, strategic planning, and organizational transformation. She joins HFSC following her tenure as Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Newport Hospital, Brown University Health, where she oversaw more than 550 staff members, a $150 million operating budget, and a wide range of hospital and ambulatory services.
During her time at Newport Hospital, Dr. Brandos played a central role in the organization’s financial turnaround, service line expansion, and achievement of multiple Magnet® reaccreditations. She is widely recognized for advancing quality and safety outcomes, strengthening workforce engagement, and implementing innovative models of care delivery.
“Dr. Brandos is an accomplished executive whose depth of experience and proven track record will be invaluable as we continue to enhance patient experience, optimize operations, and expand our nationally recognized multidisciplinary complex care offerings” said Crista F. Durand, MBA, FACHE, HFSC President & CEO. “Her leadership will help us build on our strong foundation and position us for future growth.”
In addition to her extensive executive experience, Dr. Brandos has held prominent professional leadership roles, including serving as President of the Organization of Nurse Leaders of New England and Immediate Past President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She has been recognized nationally for her contributions to nursing leadership, workforce development, and patient safety.
Dr. Brandos holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from the MGH Institute of Health Professions, a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Western New England College, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Curry College. She is board certified as a Nurse Executive Advanced and is a Fellow of both the American College of Healthcare Executives and Person-Centered Care.