Beaufort Memorial has appointed Marissa Jamarik, DNP, RN, NEA-BC as Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), entering a new era of nursing leadership focused on quality, safety and patient-centered, compassionate care across the growing health system.
Jamarik joins Beaufort Memorial from a senior nursing leadership role in Charleston, bringing with her extensive experience as both a CNO and System Vice President of Nursing across complex health systems.
She brings a strong background in leading clinical transformation, advancing nursing excellence and aligning workforce strategy with sustainable organizational growth.
Advancing Nursing Excellence and Patient Safety
Throughout her decadeslong career, Jamarik has led initiatives that achieved national nursing excellence designations by strengthening quality outcomes, enhancing patient safety and elevating the overall patient experience.
Her leadership spans large-scale health systems, where she has guided workforce development, supported professional governance models and ensured that nursing strategy aligns with broader organizational goals.
“As Beaufort Memorial continues to grow and innovate, strong nursing leadership is crucial,” said Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley. “Our patients and families will benefit tremendously from Marissa’s focus on quality, safety and the overall patient experience. Her leadership will elevate nursing practice across our organization and strengthen the care we provide to our community.”
Leadership Rooted in Service and Collaboration
Jamarik is widely recognized for fostering cultures grounded in accountability, integrity and compassionate care. Her leadership philosophy centers on service, collaboration and transparency, ensuring frontline nurses have an impactful voice in shaping clinical practice and policy.
Nursing is a calling, said Jamarik, and as a nursing leader, she’s passionate about being the voice for frontline staff.
“The frontline is the backbone of healthcare,” she said. “I’m excited to enhance professional governance and leadership development so that every nurse at Beaufort Memorial feels supported, valued and connected to our mission.”
Experience Across Complex Health Systems
Marissa’s career began in 1987 in northern Virginia, entering nursing in interventional radiology and intensive care. She eventually took on leadership roles in critical care and float pool before transitioning to executive nurse leader positions at the hospital, then the health-system level, earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Walden University in 2016.
In 2021, she began a Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive role in Charleston, where she oversaw 2,000 nurses as a part of a system that included four acute care hospitals, six emergency departments and more than 120 facilities across four counties.
Her experience leading through rapid organizational growth will support Beaufort Memorial’s continued expansion of critical healthcare services and high-quality care throughout the Lowcountry.
Building on a Strong Nursing Legacy
Jamarik succeeds Karen Carroll, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, whose 46-year tenure at Beaufort Memorial – including 26 years as CNO – helped shape the organization’s culture of excellence in direct patient care and strong nursing leadership.
As CNO, Jamarik will oversee nursing practice across the Beaufort Memorial system, championing professional development, workforce initiatives and clinical excellence while advancing patient-centered care.
“Our responsibility as leaders is to create environments where nurses can thrive, even in complex times,” Jamarik said. “Supporting nurses and clinical teams so that they can provide exceptional;, compassionate care is a responsibility I take very seriously, as well as a privilege.”
Learn more about a career in nursing at Beaufort Memorial and browse current openings.