College of Health and Human Sciences
Linda J. Deering
B.S. '87, Nursing; M.S. '92, Nursing
Executive Vice President, Sherman Health System
Having received two degrees in nursing at NIU, a B.S. in 1987 and an M.S. in 1992, Linda J. Deering has used her education to make an impact on the world of health care.
Currently executive vice president, chief operating officer, and chief nursing officer at Sherman Health System in Elgin, Illinois, Deering has demonstrated outstanding leadership and contributions in health care. She is responsible for more than 2,300 employees and leads the hospital and nursing operations, which include the planning and tactics for a new $310 million replacement hospital. Sherman Health System is one of the largest networks of medical care facilities in the far Northwest suburbs.
Previously, Deering was the vice president for Patient Services and chief nursing officer at Delnor-Community Hospital in Geneva, Illinois. Under Deering's leadership, Delnor-Community Hospital was awarded Magnet status by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2004. This prestigious award recognizes institutional excellence in nursing care. Delnor-Community Hospital was the first non-academic hospital in the Chicago region to attain Magnet status.
An outgrowth of Deering's goal of attaining Magnet status was Delnor's leadership in developing an annual nursing research conference, which particularly focused on clinical nursing practice. The third annual conference attracted more than 300 nurses from around the Chicago area and beyond. Northern Illinois University's School of Nursing is the academic partner in this community nursing research endeavor.
Deering also is a coach for Studergroup, a national consulting firm. Her position in this organization has allowed her to develop health care leadership at multiple health care organizations in the United States. She also consults with other hospitals seeking Magnet status.
Prior to her position with Delnor-Community Hospital in 1998, Deering held leadership positions at Provena St. Joseph's Hospital in Elgin, Illinois. Currently, she is an active member in key nursing leadership organizations such as the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders, American Organization of Nurse Executives, and Illinois Coalition for Nursing Recruitment and has several professional publications. She continues to volunteer and serve her community through her church and the Girl Scouts of America. She is married and the mother of three.
