Please welcome Christopher J. Laird, DNP, as Valley Regional Hospital’s new Chief Nursing Officer
January 13, 2026
Dartmouth Health member Valley Regional Hospital (VRH) has appointed Christopher J. Laird, DNP, MBA, FACHE, CENP, CCRN-K, as the hospital’s next chief nursing officer (CNO). Laird began his new role on January 5.
Laird joined VRH from Northern Light Health’s Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) in Bangor, where he served most recently as associate vice president for nursing operations and patient care services. Previously, he was EMMC’s associate vice president for critical care, education and dialysis. Before coming to New England, Laird held a variety of nursing leadership roles in California and started his career in bedside nursing.
Laird earned a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Alaska in 2002. He went on to receive two master’s degrees, in nursing and business administration, from Grand Canyon University in Arizona in 2017. Last year, he graduated from a doctoral program in nursing practice at the University of North Georgia.
“Dr. Laird brings a deep commitment to patient care and nursing excellence,” said Matthew R. Foster, MD, MMM, CEO and president of VRH. “It is clear he is patient advocate and committed to always putting our patients first, uplifting the nursing profession and leading with a compassion, thoughtfulness and emphasis on collaboration. He will make a strong addition to the VRH team, helping us deliver high quality care for the residents of Claremont and other communities we serve.”
“Nurses are the backbone of any hospital. Having a CNO who has worked at multiple levels of nursing is important because it shows nurses that their leader understands the demands of their job, what they bring to the table, and how critical they are to the hospital’s overall success,” said Susan A. Reeves, EdD, RN, CENP, Dartmouth Health’s chief nursing executive. “It was clear through our vetting process that Dr. Laird possesses these qualities and would be ready to lead Day 1. I am thrilled he has joined Dartmouth Health and for the VRH nurses who will benefit from his leadership.”