Angela Cooper has served as chief nursing officer at Rush Oak Park Hospital since March 2020, where her visionary leadership has been instrumental in advancing nursing practice, fostering staff engagement and achieving operational excellence. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Cooper has championed innovations that elevate professional development and the culture of patient care throughout the organization.
Under Cooper’s strategic guidance, Rush Oak Park has maintained Magnet designation—a hallmark of nursing excellence and a testament to the hospital’s dedication to evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous quality improvement. She has overseen the implementation of rigorous standards and best practices, cultivating a professional practice environment where staff are empowered to lead, innovate and advocate for their patients.
Mentorship is a cornerstone of Cooper’s leadership philosophy. She has developed robust mentorship and residency programs that support early-career staff, foster ongoing professional growth and cultivate future leaders. Cooper believes that meaningful relationships and strong role models are foundational to a thriving workforce, and she has invested in structures that promote learning and professional advancement at all career stages.
A proud graduate of Rush University’s College of Nursing, she holds both a Generalist Entry master’s degree and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Transformational Leadership. This strong educational foundation has empowered her to blend clinical expertise with visionary leadership, driving impactful change and inspiring excellence across all levels of nursing practice.
Outside of her professional responsibilities, Cooper values quality time with her family, enjoys traveling to new destinations and finds relaxation in gardening and culinary pursuits.