GREENPORT, NY, January 17, 2025 - Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH) has named Deborah Gerace, MSN, RN, as Senior Director of Nursing Operations, Patient Care Services. She began her role on November 25, 2024, and reports to Suzie Marriott, MS, RN, PMH-BC, Chief Nursing Officer and Senior Vice President of Patient Care.
“Deborah brings a wealth of clinical expertise, advanced management skills, and dynamic adaptability to the role,” said Paul J. Connor, Chief Administrative Officer of SBELIH.
“We chose Deb because of her experience, enthusiasm for nursing and providing excellent care. We also selected her because of her positive and caring attitude toward her role as a servant leader. We’re excited that she joined our Patient Care Services Team,” said Suzie Marriott.
Reflecting on her journey, Deborah shared, “My heart has always been with nursing. I transitioned into teaching, starting with patient education and later mentoring nurses on assessments. Teaching became a true passion—guiding new nurses to listen deeply to patients, communicate effectively with families, and develop skills beyond clinical care was incredibly rewarding.”
Her path evolved to include leadership roles, blending her nursing, teaching, and business acumen. “This journey allowed me to impact entire units and hospitals, improving care on a larger scale,” she said.
Deborah’s decision to relocate to Stony Brook was driven by a desire to be closer to her son, a medical student at Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University. “The North Fork’s farms and wineries remind me of home. During my interview at SBELIH, I knew this was where I belonged. Everyone here has been so welcoming.”
With a passion for mentoring, Deborah is committed to empowering nurses to achieve their full potential. “Healthcare is a calling—it takes heart to genuinely care for patients. I’m excited to continue sharing my knowledge and guiding others to succeed.”
Deborah’s extensive career includes roles as Registered Charge and Staff Nurse at Beechwood Continuing Care, Director of Nursing at McAuley Residence, Nurse Educator at Niagara University, and Director of Nursing/Nurse Manager positions at Eastern Niagara Hospital, NYU Langone-LICH, and Trinity Health Travel.
She holds a Bachelor of Nursing from Daemen College and a Master of Science in Nursing, Management, and Leadership from Western Governors University. Deborah is also certified by the American Heart Association, a member of Sigma Theta Tau (Pi Zeta Chapter), NAHQ Certified, and the Christian Medical & Dental Association. Her accolades include a Nursing Excellence Award from McAuley Residence in Kenmore, New York.
