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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 21, 2026 B9 HEALTHCARE HEROES | 2026 AWARDS Winner Category | Nurse Andy Quito Nursing Director Bridgeport Hospital, Yale New Haven Health A ndy Quito (BSN, RN) is director of nursing for medical-surgical services at Bridgeport Hospital. He leads multi-campus nursing oper- ations, patient flow, quality and safety initiatives, workforce development, virtual nursing and patient experience strategies, while supporting nurse leaders and frontline teams. What makes you a Healthcare Hero? Over the past year, I led strategic quality and operational initiatives that strengthened Bridgeport Hospital's nursing performance across medi- cal-surgical services, virtual nursing, patient flow, workforce planning and performance improvement. In partnership with an exceptional division nursing leadership team, I supported approximately 650 staff, reduced RN turnover by 25% and RN vacancy by 40%, decreased traveler reliance, supported Closer to Home lounges serving discharged patients, and expanded virtual nursing across 11 Bridgeport Hospital units with 17 hybrid virtual nurses. I also improved discharge performance, including a 29-minute reduction in median discharge order-to- discharge time and a 3.88% increase in pre-11 a.m. discharges. Tell us about a challenge in your job that you were able to overcome. One challenge I overcame was stabilizing workforce capacity while sustaining quality and patient flow. I focused on strong employee engagement action plans and worked with my divi- sion leadership team to adapt our leader- ship approach to better support the new generation entering the workforce. What's your next major goal and/or challenge? My next major goal is to strengthen leadership succession by supporting new leaders as they grow, gain confidence and become proficient. I will continue adapting my leadership approach to meet the expectations of an evolving workforce while building resilient, engaged and future-ready teams. CONGRATULATIONS to our Healthcare Heroes Scan to learn more gaylord.org June Napolitano, RN, BSN, PCCN, CRRN, VA-BC Director, Nursing Operations Karen Smith Team Manager, Gaylord Wolfpack Sled Hockey Driving innovation, accessibility, and outcomes to advance exceptional care for people recovering from life-altering illness and injury. Championing adaptive sports and advancing inclusion and opportunity for people with disabilities. Nurse Volunteer Think Possible FOR HEALTHCARE & BUSINESS HEADSHOTS, BRANDING SESSIONS, TEAM PHOTOS, & MORE! HEADSHOTS, BRANDING SESSIONS, TEAM PHOTOS, & MORE! 860-659-1119 CONTACT US FOR PRICING & PACKAGES! brian@brianambrosephoto.com CELEBRATING HEALTHCARE HEROES The people behind the care. The stories behind the people. Professional Photography