Suzanne Tyler, 38 / Senior Director – Infection Control and Prevention, Carilion Clinic
Suzanne Tyler earned her ASN in Nursing and MSN in Nursing Administration from Jefferson College of Health Sciences in 2009 and 2016, respectively. She has been with Carilion for over 17 years, working as a Nursing Assistant, Patient Transporter, RN, CTL and Unit Director. Tyler was recruited and promoted to the Interim Director of Medicine, Infection Control, in the middle of the pandemic, and in 2021, she accepted the newly-formed current role, working directly with Carilion’s Infectious Disease Doctor and overseeing a growing team of Infection Preventionists, Contact Tracers and interfaces with Senior Leadership at Carilion to help shape policy to limit exposures/transmission to patients and staff while continuing Carilion’s vision of providing top-quality care. “My goal has been to take what I have learned in both formal education as well as that handed down from seasoned nurses and medical professionals and use it to help my community thrive and flourish,” Tyler says. “With almost 17 years of employment at Carilion Clinic, I’ve experienced so many wonderful Roanokers as patients and colleagues and that has driven my passion to continue looking for ways to serve this Valley.”
- Graduated from Roanoke Catholic School, 2001
- Earned AS degree at Virginia Western, 2004
- Earned Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, James Madison University, 2005
- Earned ASN, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, 2009
- Earned MSN – Nursing Administration, Jefferson College of Health Sciences, 2016
- Recent initiatives to promote workplace happiness by utilizing “The Orange Frog” parable (developed by Author and promoter of Positive Psychology Shawn Achor) have been well received by staff in multiple departments of the organization
From the Nomination: ““From the beginning of her employment with Carilion, Suzanne Tyler has been ‘all in’ for the organization. Over the course of her 15+ years there, her flexibility and willingness to take on roles in a variety of positions has positioned her for the next 15+ years. She not only cares about the patient experience, she believes that the organization does as well. Working for a non-profit healthcare organization does not typically pay as well as for-profit systems – but even when recruited by other organizations, her heart and loyalty have stuck with Carilion. The organization’s vision aligns with hers which ultimately has created (most days!) a ‘you’ll never work a day in your life when you love what you do’ experience. … Suzanne’s work in this critical area directly impacts the community as well as employees of the area’s largest employer in ways to help control the spread of Covid-19 and other infections.”
What do you love about Roanoke?
Tyler: “The Roanoke Valley has a wealth of opportunity to offer individuals during every stage of their life from growing up to raising a family into retirement. I have spent the majority of my life in the greater Roanoke Valley and have enjoyed it during every season. It is truly rewarding to watch my own children grow up and experience the same elements I enjoyed as a child. From visiting the Mill Mountain Star to weekends at Smith Mountain Lake or time spent at Carvins Cove, Roanoke is a beautiful valley to live, work, and play in. I’ve traveled to many different places, and there is no experience quite like flying back into the Roanoke valley and watching the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains coming up to meet you as you land.”
How does your passion impact our community?
Tyler: “After completing my undergraduate work at James Madison University, I chose to return to the Roanoke Valley to continue my education and career in Healthcare to help make an impact. With Carilion Clinic, I have found a way to do both. My goal has been to take what I have learned in both formal education as well as that handed down from seasoned nurses and medical professionals and use it to help my community thrive and flourish. With almost 17 years of employment at Carilion Clinic, I’ve experienced so many wonderful Roanokers as patients and colleagues and that has driven my passion to continue looking for ways to serve this Valley.”
