WCHS New CNO
February 27, 2026
Winnebago, NE – Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS) is proud to announce the appointment of Melanie Tuamoheloa, BSN, RN, as its new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). Melanie brings more than a decade of progressive nursing leadership experience, a deep commitment to patient-centered care, and a strong dedication to serving our patients and relatives.
Prior to this role, Melanie served as the Director of Nursing Care Services at WCHS, where she successfully led recruitment initiatives, mentored and developed nursing staff, and strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration. Her focus on operational excellence, workforce development, and patient satisfaction has made a lasting impact on the organization. She has also been instrumental in developing the forensic nursing program, expanding services within the Emergency Department to provide Sexual Assault Nurse Examinations (SANE) and intimate partner violence examinations, ensuring patients have access to compassionate, specialized care.
Melanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Creighton University School of Nursing and is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Nurse Executive Leadership at Walden University. She maintains active RN licensure and holds specialized training in TNCC, Adult/Adolescent Forensic Nursing Examinations, and as a CAPPA Lactation Educator. Her professional excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including the IHS Nurse of the Month Award, the NNA Positive Image of Nursing Award, the Area Director’s Award for Outstanding Employees, and the DAISY Award.
“I am an enrolled member of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska; I come from the Wind Clan. My parents are Jeff and Colleen Gilpin, prayer leaders in the Native American Church. The prayer instruments that my parents have come from John Rave from the Winnebago Tribe in 1906. They were given to my Great Grandparents Ed and Grace (Walker) Cline. They were passed down to my grandparents Alfred (Buddy) and Naomi (Cline) Gilpin. My paternal great grandparents were Sam and Louisa (Cayou) Gilpin. My maternal grandparents were Byron and Ruby (Irvin) Scotton, and great grandparents were Walter and Cora (Vawter) Haynie and Bert and Alta (Tuttle) Scotton,” said Melanie. “My upbringing and cultural teachings have shaped my servant leadership style. I feel truly blessed to serve our relatives and am excited about the care we continue to provide to our community.”
Melanie will continue to strive to create a positive, supportive work environment for her team and a welcoming space that fosters strong relationships and healing for relatives. As CNO, she will champion clinical excellence, workforce development, cultural humility, and patient- and family-centered care. As part of the executive team, she will play a key role in shaping the health systems future direction, helping drive sustainable growth, and operational excellence. WCHS remains committed to serving the community with the highest standards of care.