In the high-stakes, rapidly evolving world of healthcare administration, few leaders possess the unique perspective of Dr. Cody Legler (DNP '14). As the Senior Vice President and System Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Maimonides Health in Brooklyn, NY, Legler is responsible for overseeing the strategic, operational, and clinical success of nursing across the system. Yet, his path to the C-suite—and his enduring commitment to the George Washington University School of Nursing—was launched by a simple act: connecting with a patient.
The Influence of the Nurse Leader
Legler’s career aspirations began outside of nursing; he initially intended to pursue medical school. His first hands-on experience in a hospital setting, however, was as a phlebotomist in an academic medical center. This role offered a unique vantage point, and it was here that he witnessed the profound connection and impact nurses consistently had on patients and their families. This deep, patient-centered influence shifted his trajectory. He saw nursing not just as a clinical practice, but as a direct route to leadership and administration—a path to improving the practice environment and enhancing patient care on a systemic level.
His pursuit of leadership culminated in 2014 when he earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from GW Nursing. This advanced education provided the foundation for a career focused on innovation and quality. Prior to joining Maimonides Health, Legler served in key roles at MedStar Health, including System Vice President and CNO for Perioperative Services. While serving in this role, he demonstrated his strategic acumen by successfully creating and launching a surgical tech apprentice program. And during his time as CNO at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, he guided his teams to prestigious distinctions, including the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence designation.
A Mission for the Underserved
Legler was drawn to his current position at Maimonides Health—a safety-net health system—by the opportunity to create a unified system nursing strategy and structure. He speaks passionately about the organization’s "tremendous history of providing care to a diverse community and incredible quality results." This commitment to accessible, high-quality care echoes an influential experience early in his career: working as a home health nurse in the inner city of Milwaukee. That foundation in grassroots community care remains a core motivator.
When asked what gets him out of bed each day, Legler emphasizes purpose and teamwork: “The opportunity to be part of a team, create change, have impact, and provide access and care to the community every day!” The most gratifying part of his role remains connected to this—the patient and the team.
However, the job is not without its hurdles. Legler identifies the most significant challenge as navigating financial constraints and competing with larger systems in the market, a reality many nurse leaders face in today’s complex economic climate.
Bridging Academia and Practice
Legler’s connection to GW remains strong, serving from 2019 to 2021 as an adjunct faculty member teaching leadership and health policy. Furthermore, he recently stepped into the vital role of Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Committee (DAC) for the GW School of Nursing.
He sought the DAC Chair position to align academia and practice more tightly across the profession—a critical function given the current state of healthcare. In this role, he continues to gain valuable insight into the operations of higher education, balancing the needs of a world-class academic institution with the rapid, real-world demands of clinical settings.
Advice for the Next Generation
Reflecting on his journey, Legler offers clear, actionable advice to current nursing students: "Identify mentors early on in your career, more than one. Reverse mentoring is also a ‘thing.’" He encourages both seeking guidance from experienced professionals and sharing insights with those who may be newer to the field.
Finally, Legler shares a powerful message about the collective responsibility of the GW Nursing community: the imperative to support future generations.
“We all have a vested interest in making sure we educate and prepare the next generation of nurses,” he says. With an aging American population and the large number of nurses who will retire over the next few years, there is a sizable gap to fill. “It is imperative that we give our time and money to support nursing students who are working diligently to earn their degrees so they can make a difference.” His call to action underscores the idea that investing in today’s students is the only way to ensure the strength and sustainability of tomorrow’s healthcare system.
Dr. Cody Legler’s leadership demonstrates the profound influence a DNP-prepared nurse can wield, whether volunteering at the bedside as a primary care nurse practitioner or running system-wide strategy at a major health system…all the while remaining dedicated to teaching and advocacy for the future of the profession.