Yvonne Smith serves as the Interim Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. She previously served as the Director of Women and Infants Services, and the interim Director of Behavioral Health Services. Yvonne is passionate about the role nurses play in the wellness of patients and communities, along with their contribution to advancing science and care through nursing research and interdisciplinary collaboration.
A leader with experience across both community and academic care platforms, Yvonne is committed to engaging stakeholders and holding space for those, often uncomfortable, conversations around health inequities, the impact of trauma on persons and communities, and how systems are often designed to center efficiency over people.
Yvonne received her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Webster University and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Maryville University.
Yvonne served on the Missouri Task Force on Prematurity & Infant Mortality (2011-2013) and as secretary/treasurer for the Missouri Section of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (2000-2022), and is a member of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, and the Missouri Organization for Nurse Leaders. Additionally, Yvonne serves on the Advisory Board for Parents as Teachers (Kirkwood, Missouri), and is a Board Member of the March of Dimes (St. Louis, Missouri).