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Nicole Dockery named president of Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital
Longtime hospital leader steps into expanded role
Nicole Dockery has assumed the role of vice president and president of Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital, effective immediately. Dockery will also continue in her role as vice president and chief nursing officer, ensuring continuity and consistent clinical leadership.
“I am honored to serve as president and to continue working alongside such a dedicated team of healthcare professionals,” Dockery said. “Our focus will remain on delivering exceptional care, supporting our employees, and building strong partnerships across the region.”
Dockery succeeds David Masterson, who served as interim hospital president since July 2025 and retired from Sentara this month. Masterson played a significant role in stabilizing hospital operations and establishing a solid foundation for new leadership to advance the organization.
“David Masterson has played an important role in Halifax’s progress over the past year,” said Kapua Conley, senior vice president and acute care market president of Sentara’s Eastern Market. “As we move forward, we are thrilled to welcome Nicole into this leadership role. Her deep operational expertise, thoughtful leadership approach, and strong commitment to our patients and community make her exceptionally prepared to guide Sentara Halifax through this next chapter.”
“With construction of the new hospital underway, Nicole’s steady presence and proven ability to bring teams together will be invaluable,” Conley said. “We are grateful for David’s contributions and confident in the strong future Nicole will lead.”
Dockery began her career at Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital in 2009 as an intensive care unit nurse. In 2012, she transitioned into leadership, serving as director of patient care services before being appointed vice president and chief nursing officer in 2021. Her clinical background, operational experience, and community ties position her well for this expanded leadership role.
Dockery earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Old Dominion University, along with a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University. She also holds a Nurse Executive board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and serves on the American Nurses Association Committee for Honorary Awards.
Originally from the Danville and Pittsylvania County areas of Virginia, Dockery is recognized for her calm and steady leadership style, attributes that have earned trust within the organization and across the community.
In addition to her hospital leadership responsibilities, Dockery is actively involved in the South Boston community. She serves on the boards of the YMCA of South Boston and Halifax County Habitat for Humanity, and she is currently president of the Rotary Club of South Boston. Her community involvement reflects her belief that strong communities and strong healthcare systems are closely connected.
“I am honored to serve as president and to continue working alongside such a dedicated team of healthcare professionals,” Dockery said. “Our focus will remain on delivering exceptional care, supporting our employees, and building strong partnerships across the region.”
Dockery succeeds David Masterson, who served as interim hospital president since July 2025 and retired from Sentara this month. Masterson played a significant role in stabilizing hospital operations and establishing a solid foundation for new leadership to advance the organization.
“David Masterson has played an important role in Halifax’s progress over the past year,” said Kapua Conley, senior vice president and acute care market president of Sentara’s Eastern Market. “As we move forward, we are thrilled to welcome Nicole into this leadership role. Her deep operational expertise, thoughtful leadership approach, and strong commitment to our patients and community make her exceptionally prepared to guide Sentara Halifax through this next chapter.”
“With construction of the new hospital underway, Nicole’s steady presence and proven ability to bring teams together will be invaluable,” Conley said. “We are grateful for David’s contributions and confident in the strong future Nicole will lead.”
Dockery began her career at Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital in 2009 as an intensive care unit nurse. In 2012, she transitioned into leadership, serving as director of patient care services before being appointed vice president and chief nursing officer in 2021. Her clinical background, operational experience, and community ties position her well for this expanded leadership role.
Dockery earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Old Dominion University, along with a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University. She also holds a Nurse Executive board certification through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and serves on the American Nurses Association Committee for Honorary Awards.
Originally from the Danville and Pittsylvania County areas of Virginia, Dockery is recognized for her calm and steady leadership style, attributes that have earned trust within the organization and across the community.
In addition to her hospital leadership responsibilities, Dockery is actively involved in the South Boston community. She serves on the boards of the YMCA of South Boston and Halifax County Habitat for Humanity, and she is currently president of the Rotary Club of South Boston. Her community involvement reflects her belief that strong communities and strong healthcare systems are closely connected.