John Lazarus named chief nursing officer for AdventHealth DeLand

DELAND, Fla. — AdventHealth DeLand has named John Lazarus as its new chief nursing officer, effective February 8.

Lazarus brings more than 30 years of nursing and health care leadership experience across emergency, inpatient, and ambulatory settings. He began his career as a bedside emergency department nurse and has spent his career strengthening care environments that support both patients and the nurses who serve them.

“John brings a steady, thoughtful approach to nursing leadership and a deep understanding of how nurses shape the patient experience,” said Khelsea Bauer, president and CEO of AdventHealth DeLand. “His experience will help us continue delivering high-quality, compassionate care for our community.”

Lazarus joined AdventHealth Fish Memorial in 2010 as emergency department director and was later promoted to nursing director. In these roles, he helped expand access to emergency care, including the development of the East Florida Division’s first offsite emergency department in Deltona, while maintaining strong outcomes in quality and safety.

Most recently, he served as executive director of ambulatory services for the AdventHealth East Florida Division, supporting efforts to integrate ambulatory surgery centers, strengthen physician partnerships, and improve access to care closer to where people live and work.

“As a nurse, I believe the way we support our caregivers directly shapes how patients experience care,” said Lazarus. “I’m honored to join the AdventHealth DeLand team and look forward to supporting our nurses as we continue caring for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit.”

Lazarus earned a Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University and is a registered nurse. He succeeds Michele Lebron, who recently accepted the role of chief nursing officer at AdventHealth Lake Nona.