Donna Wagner, a nursing leader with more than 30 years of experience, will serve as the new chief nursing and operating officer at Ascension St. Vincent's St. Johns County.

The hospital announced the appointment Monday. Wagner, a registered nurse, comes to the role from HCA Florida Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, where she served as vice president of cardiovascular and critical care services.

Returning to a familiar community

The hire brings a familiar face back to St. Johns County. Before joining HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, Wagner spent more than a decade at what is now UF Health St. Johns, formerly Flagler Health+, holding leadership roles in cardiovascular and critical care, quality, education and patient experience.

Wagner also has ties to local organizations outside the hospital. She serves on the boards of Fostering Connections, a northeast Florida nonprofit supporting youth and families affected by foster care, and CareerSource Northeast Florida, the regional workforce development organization. She previously chaired the St. Johns County School District Healthcare Academy Advisory Board.

"Donna brings an exceptional combination of nursing and operational leadership and a strong commitment to developing caregivers," Sean McAfee, president and CEO of Ascension St. Vincent's St. Johns, said in the announcement.

Wagner said she looks forward to returning to the St. Johns County community and working alongside hospital staff to strengthen the patient experience as the county grows.

She holds a master's degree with a concentration in nursing education and a bachelor's degree in nursing from St. Joseph's University.

Birth center expansion underway

Her appointment comes as St. Johns County's health care sector expands rapidly. The hospital broke ground in June on a 27,000-square-foot Family Birth Place addition, the Jacksonville Daily Record reported, with a planned summer 2027 opening that will include a Level II neonatal intensive care unit and 14 private delivery suites.

Countywide demand for health care workers

The county's broader health care landscape is growing, too. At a January Economic Development Council breakfast, St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce President Isabelle Renault said the county was on track for six large medical facilities by 2027. Panelists at that event projected a need for 3,500 additional health care employees countywide. McAfee, who was identified as the hospital's chief nursing and operating officer at the January event, spoke about workforce and housing challenges facing the county.

Wagner's start date was not included in the announcement.

Upcoming

• Summer 2027: Ascension St. Vincent's St. Johns County Family Birth Place addition expected to open, adding a Level II neonatal intensive care unit and 14 private delivery suites.