Rebecca Tucker Named Chief Wellness Officer of UR Medicine Employee Wellness

Rebecca Tucker, PhD, MEd, ACNPC, RN, a distinguished clinician, educator, and researcher, has been appointed chief wellness officer of UR Medicine Employee Wellness. She succeeds Lisa Norsen, PhD, RN, ACNP, who led the program since its founding and is widely recognized for her work in developing evidence-based clinical wellness programs.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca to this role — her vision and energy will help us expand our impact and continue to innovate in how we support the health and well-being of our community,” said Renu Singh, MS, chief executive officer of UR Medicine Employee Wellness. “Her background in cardiovascular care and her commitment to evidence-based, person-centered approaches make her an ideal leader for our program. I am confident that under her leadership, Employee Wellness will reach new heights and touch even more lives.”

Tucker, an associate professor of clinical nursing at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, brings more than two decades of experience in cardiovascular care, nursing education, and wellness program leadership. Her career began as an exercise physiologist in cardiac rehabilitation, followed by roles as a registered nurse in cardiac intensive care and as a nurse practitioner in the Heart Center at Strong Memorial Hospital.

“In many ways, this position brings me back to my first love – helping people enhance their quality of life and wellness habits so they and their families can thrive,” Tucker said. “I am excited to build on the strong foundation of this program, working alongside a passionate team to expand access and foster new partnerships that benefit the health of all our communities.”

“I am excited to build on the strong foundation of this program, working alongside a passionate team to expand access and foster new partnerships that benefit the health of all our communities.”

UR Medicine Employee Wellness, housed within the University of Rochester School of Nursing, is a nurse-led initiative serving nearly 70,000 individuals across 90 organizations in Western New York, ranging from school districts to manufacturers. The program features biometric screenings with point-of-care testing and personalized lifestyle and condition management coaching sessions led by nurses, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals.

Since its inception in 2012, the program has demonstrated significant health and financial benefits for those who participate – according to a recent study, nearly half of participants with moderate to high cardiovascular risk improved their risk level.

Throughout her career, Tucker has been dedicated to improving quality of life for patients and communities, with a focus on prevention, autonomy, and evidence-based care. She has served as lead instructor for advanced physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology courses, and has been recognized with the School of Nursing’s Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award and the Outstanding Scholarly Practitioner Award.

Tucker will continue her clinical practice as a nurse practitioner in the Heart Center, ensuring that the wellness programs remain grounded in current clinical excellence.

She earned a bachelor’s in psychology and physical education from The College at Brockport, a master’s of education in kinesiology from Temple University, a bachelor’s of science in nursing from the University at Buffalo, and both a master’s degree as an acute care nurse practitioner and a PhD in Health Practice Research from the University of Rochester.