STHS McAllen Welcomes Adam Copher As Its New Chief Nursing Officer

With a distinguished career spanning nearly 20 years, Copher will play an essential role in supporting the facility’s nurses and clinical teams, as well as ensuring the quality, compassionate care of patients

As the top nursing executive within a hospital, the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is responsible for guiding nursing practice and standards, implementing evidence-based clinical protocols and leading initiatives that enhance patient outcomes.

A critical bridge between frontline caregivers and executive leadership, the CNO ensures the voice of the nursing staff is represented in strategic decision-making. Beyond that, they also have an impact on the health and wellbeing of the community by prioritizing public health initiatives, improving care coordination and addressing health disparities.

To oversee the strategic direction of nursing services and clinical excellence at South Texas Health System McAllen, the facility is proud to welcome Adam Copher, DNP, RN, CMSRN, as its Chief Nursing Officer.

With nearly 20 years of experience in nursing and healthcare, Copher brings a deep commitment to high-quality, compassionate care and a passion for fostering collaborative, patient-centered environments.

“We’re thrilled to have Adam join the leadership team at STHS McAllen,” says Emma Montes-Ewing, Chief Executive Offer, STHS McAllen. “He brings nearly two decades of nursing-related insight, knowledge and experience – all crucial factors for the vital role he’ll play in supporting our nurses and clinical teams while ensuring that our patients receive quality, compassionate care.”

A Florida native, Copher graduated from Chamberlain University, where he received his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) before becoming board-certified through the Academy of Medical Surgical Nursing.

“Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in many areas of nursing — from medical-surgical and progressive care to what became my true clinical passion: emergency medicine,” says Copher. “Each step has deepened my commitment to patient safety, quality and the overall care experience.”

With a deep passion rooted in service and extensive experience mentoring and coaching employees, directors and managers, Copher has been instrumental in progressing patient and employee engagement, increasing retention of nursing staff, enhancing productivity and improving patient outcomes at his previous facilities like HCA Healthcare, where he worked his way up the ranks from Clinical Leader to CNO during his nearly nine-year tenure.

“At its essence, this role is about fostering an environment where nurses feel supported, respected and empowered to do what they do best — care for others,” says Copher. “I’m most looking forward to partnering closely with our talented staff, leaders, and interdisciplinary colleagues to foster a culture of collaboration, compassion and continuous improvement. I’m excited to support and empower everyone not just nurses but at all levels, helping them grow professionally while ensuring that patient care remains safe, high-quality and deeply patient-centered.”

Copher, who officially joined the STHS McAllen team on Monday, June 16, intends to implement a collaborative environment centered around trust, accountability and support that directly improves patient outcomes and staff satisfaction.

“I’m most eager to collaborate with all staff to aim for advancing initiatives that improve patient safety, enhance the employee experience and promote innovation in care delivery,” says Copher. “Ultimately, my goal is to help our hospital continue to achieve excellence in nursing practice that translates into better outcomes and experiences for the patients and families we serve. Stepping into the role of CNO is both an honor and a privilege. I’m here to serve — to listen, to support and to lead with purpose.”

To learn more about STHS McAllen and the comprehensive services offered at the nationally recognized facility, visit southtexashealthsystemmcallen.com.

About South Texas Health System

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.