POTSDAM -- Canton-Potsdam Hospital has hired a new Vice President for Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer.

Cathy A. Schantz will replace Nancy Rutledge when she retires later this summer.

Schantz will lead 350 employees in nursing, chemical dependency, pharmacy, and outpatient psychiatric services, and will serve as a member of the hospital's senior leadership team.

Schantz has spent the last 10 years at the 700-bed Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in a variety of leadership roles including Clinical Director for Women’s Health and Psychiatric Emergency Services; Clinical Director for Nursing Education, Professional Development & Excellence; and Nurse Manager for OB/GYN Oncology.

Schantz led the coordination of a nurse-led emergency preparedness initiative with the Eastern PA Magnet Hospitals Consortium.

Since 2009, Schantz has also taught in the registered nurse/bacheor of science in nursing program at Immaculata University in Chester County, Pa.

“Cathy’s experience driving excellence in patient safety, patient satisfaction, quality, and fiscal outcomes in a resource-sensitive and highly competitive and regulated environment will assist us in achieving the ambitious goals we’ve set for our community hospital,” said Canton-Potsdam Hospital President and CEO David B. Acker.

“I found what I was looking for -- visionary leadership in a community hospital with a collaborative team in a beautiful setting," said Schantz. “A lot of great work has been done, and a lot still needs to be accomplished. My sleeves are rolled up and I’m honored to join the Canton-Potsdam Hospital family.”

Schantz and her fiancé, David Fernald, are planning to move to the area this summer as she assumes her new duties in early August.