Bassett Healthcare Network Appoints Chief Physician Executive and Chief Nurse Executive

Cooperstown - Dr. Tommy Ibrahim, president and CEO of Bassett Healthcare Network, announces two additional appointments to the system's executive leadership team. 


Reginald Knight, MD, MHA - Chief Physician Executive
Dr. Reginald Knight has been appointed the new senior vice president, chief physician executive for Bassett Healthcare Network. In this role, and in close partnership with the chief nurse executive, Dr. Knight will drive physician engagement, performance and alignment with the network as well as service line development to ensure quality care, reduction in clinical variation, improved access and an optimal patient experience. Additionally, Dr. Knight has been a driving force behind Bassett's current diversity efforts and will be partnering with Corey Heller, senior vice president, chief people and diversity officer, to continue to enhance Bassett's culture around diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

"I am humbled and enthusiastic to begin this new journey at Bassett Healthcare Network, a place I call home and believe in with all my heart," says Dr. Knight. "I am confident in the direction we're taking as we continue to work together to expand access to services and inspire close collaboration across our system to provide extraordinary care to our communities, cultivate a lasting culture of inclusion, and propel us forward as a national leader in rural health care delivery."

Dr. Knight has served as vice president of Medical Affairs at A.O. Fox Hospital for more than five years and is the director of Bassett's Spine Care Institute. He holds a bachelor's degree from SUNY Oneonta, a master's in health care administration from Capella University, and received his medical doctorate from SUNY Upstate Medical Center. He completed an orthopedic spine fellowship at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester and accomplished his residency at Westchester Medical Center, Metropolitan Hospital, and Lincoln Hospital. Dr. Knight begins his new role on Nov. 2. 


Denise Robinson, DNP, MPH, RN, WOCN - Chief Nurse Executive
Dr. Denise Robinson has accepted the role of senior vice president, chief nurse executive for Bassett Healthcare Network. In this role, Dr. Robinson will support an exceptional patient experience through delivery of superior nursing and clinical care across the Bassett system, establish a strategy and vision for patient care, advise on all aspects of nursing policy and practice, and pursue Magnet designation. She will work closely with network and physician leaders to drive clinical transformation and develop and implement new patient care models and best practices.

"I am honored and grateful to begin my new role as senior vice president, chief nurse executive of Bassett Healthcare Network," says Dr. Robinson. "I will work to assure consistent patient care practices and standards, and educate and mentor nursing staff and their leadership across our system. We will establish a vision and strategy together with our clinical and support colleagues to deliver exceptional patient experiences and outcomes. Clinical transformation requires a close partnership with our network and physician leaders to design and develop new patient care models and best practices. My immediate goal is to provide all of the support I can assemble to assist Bassett Healthcare Network to endure, learn, and grow as we continue marching forward during this pandemic and as we plan for the future."

Most recently, Dr. Robinson served as chief nursing officer for Loma Linda University Medical Center in California. She has more than 20 years of high-level experience in nursing management focusing on quality and patient safety initiatives, staff engagement, and patient satisfaction. Dr. Robinson holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, a master's degree in public health from Columbia University, and is a graduate of the doctor of nursing program at Case Western University. She begins her tenure at Bassett on Nov. 16.