Administrative Director of Nursing; Perioperative Services
Harris Health
Renee Russell McElligott is a seasoned nursing leader with over 27 years of experience in the healthcare industry, with a strong focus on safety-net, academic, and acute care hospital settings. She currently serves as the Administrative Director of Nursing for Perioperative Services at Harris Health System, where she has devoted her entire career.
Renee began her professional journey as an associate degree nurse and has advanced through progressively senior leadership roles, culminating in her current position overseeing all surgical services and procedural departments. Her academic progression, which includes earning a Master of Science in Nursing and certifications as NEA-BC and CNOR, reflects her unwavering commitment to professional growth and excellence in patient care.
Throughout her career, Renee has been especially passionate about mentoring and developing future nurse leaders. Under her guidance, numerous members of her team have progressed from entry-level roles to senior leadership positions, a testament to her belief in empowering others and fostering career advancement from within.
Renee leads with a transformational approach grounded in transparency, integrity, and equity. She is known for cultivating collaborative, respectful environments where interprofessional teams work together to elevate the quality and safety of care. Her leadership style is deeply influenced by the Maya Angelou quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”—a guiding principle she applies to both patient care and team relationships.
A member of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) and the American Nurses Association (ANA), Renee remains actively engaged in advancing nursing practice at both the organizational and community. Outside of work, she finds great joy in spending time with her grandchildren, experiencing the world anew through their eyes.