Tara Hackerd MSN, RN

In her new role she will oversee nursing operations, while working collaboratively across disciplines to promote high-quality, patient focused care throughout the organization.

She began her nursing career in 2003 as a student nurse, driven by a deep commitment to patient-centered care and service excellence. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Lakeview College of Nursing and went on to complete a Master’s of Science in Nursing Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Over the years, Ms. Hackerd has cultivated a diverse and impactful career in healthcare leadership. She began as a Registered Nurse in a Community Living Center, where she was later promoted to Nurse Manager. Her leadership journey continued in acute mental health care, where she also served as a Nurse Manager, demonstrating a strong ability to lead interdisciplinary teams in high-demand settings.

Building on her clinical and operational experience, she transitioned into healthcare quality leadership as the Chief of Quality Management, where she played a pivotal role in advancing performance improvement and patient safety initiatives.

In August 2024 she assumed the responsibilities of the Deputy, ADPCS. With a solid background in nursing and a deep commitment to high quality patient-centered care, Ms. Hackerd has guided teams utilizing strong leadership rooted in experience and compassion. In her role as Acting ADPCS she looks forward to leading with a shared sense of purpose throughout Illiana.