Dr. Billie Leonard, DNP, MSN, RN, is the Chief Nursing Officer/Administrator for Saint John Hospital. Billie has more than 20 years of nursing experience, which include critical care, emergency services, education, and healthcare leadership.

Billie previously erved as the Associate Chief Nursing Officer of St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Earlier she was a Nursing Manager at St. Joseph, over the Cardiac Care Unit and an Acute Care step down unit. In addition, Billie was responsible for the Prime MOKAN nursing Regional Float Pool.

Billie’s career progression was established at local Kansas City hospitals. Her role as a Forensic Nurse Director, was the catalyst for her leadership journey. Billie’s forensic nursing roles included overseeing a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, that served both Kansas and Missouri, as well as educating new SANE nurses, acting as an expert witness, and partnering with local law agency to enhance the process and program for victims and communities.
Billie’s educational accomplishments include a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health Care degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri. She has a Master of Science in Nursing Education, that was obtained from the University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, Kansas, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas.

Billie stated she always dreamt of being a nurse. Her fascination with healthcare started at a young age, while other children had teatime with their dolls, hers wore bandages. She stated her desire to continue to learn and grow came with various experiences, and mentors she met along her career path.