Trinity Health Announces New Chief Nursing Officers at West Michigan hospitals

GRAND RAPIDS and MUSKEGON, Mich. (February 10, 2025) – Trinity Health Grand Rapids and Trinity Health Muskegon, Shelby and Grand Haven are pleased to announce the hire of new Chief Nursing Officers (CNO) for their hospitals. Trinity Health Grand Rapids has appointed Carolyn Leja, DNP, MBA, RN, CNM, NE-BC to its Chief Nursing Officer position. She will fill the position previously held by Michelle Peña, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, who was appointed Regional Chief Nursing Officer of Trinity Health Michigan in August. Nicholas Strait, DNP, MBA HCM, NEA-BC, RN has been named as the new Chief Nursing Officer of Trinity Health Muskegon, Shelby and Grand Haven hospitals. The CNOs will provide strategic leadership for nursing practice, professional development, workforce sustainability, and clinical excellence across each location.

Carolyn Leja brings more than 20 years of progressive nursing and clinical leadership experience, combined with an exceptional academic foundation and sustained practice as an Advanced Practice Provider. Leja recently served as Chief Nursing Officer for Corewell Health West – Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals, where she held executive accountability for nursing practice and clinical operations across multiple hospital campuses.

“We are excited to welcome Carolyn to Trinity Health Grand Rapids,” said Matt Biersack, MD, President, Trinity Health Grand Rapids. “Her depth of experience from practitioner to CNO will build on the thoughtful, collaborative approach to nursing excellence that Trinity Health is known for.”

In addition to her executive leadership roles, Leja is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and has maintained an active clinical identity as an Advanced Practice Provider throughout her career. She has practiced in both academic and community health system settings and previously served as clinical faculty at multiple institutions. 

“I am excited and honored to be joining Trinity Health and to serve as CNO,” said Leja. “I enthusiastically look forward to partnering with nursing and interdisciplinary colleagues to serve our West Michigan community, innovate, grow a sustainable nursing workforce, and nurture the strong foundation of excellence in nursing practice and clinical care for which Trinity Health Grand Rapids is known.”

Nicholas Strait will provide proven expertise in clinical operations, strategic planning, Lean methodologies, and interdisciplinary collaboration with more than 20 years of progressive nursing leadership experience in complex healthcare environments to our lakeshore hospitals.

“Accepting the position is a ‘coming home’ for Nick,” said Gary Allore, President, Trinity Health Muskegon, Shelby and Grand Haven hospitals. “He brings extensive clinical leadership experience, a proven record of operational excellence, and a deep commitment to our mission. We look forward to the insight and energy he will bring as we continue advancing the care and experience, we provide across our Lakeshore hospitals.”

Strait started his nursing career as a Registered Nurse with Trinity Health Muskegon before advancing to Clinical Manager and Director of Medical/Surgical Services. Most recently, Strait served as CNO for Corewell Health West – Gerber Hospital in Fremont and Corewell Health West – Big Rapids and Reed City Hospitals. 

“I’m excited to put my skills and experience to work serving the community where I live,” Strait said. “My goal in returning to Trinity Health is to help make Muskegon, Shelby, and Grand Haven the destination for healthcare in West Michigan.”

Leja will join Trinity Health Grand Rapids on February 9, and Strait will join Trinity Health Muskegon, Shelby and Grand Haven on February 13. 

“Carolyn Leja and Nicholas Strait are both strong nurse leaders whose experience and dedication to compassionate, high-quality care aligns beautifully with our mission and values,” said Peña. “I am energized by the expertise and perspective they will bring to our West Michigan hospitals and look forward to working closely with them as we continue to evolve our strong nursing practice, and excellent patient care across Michigan.”