Anthony Lambert, MSN, RN, NE-BC
For Anthony Lambert, leadership is built on service, collaboration, and helping others reach their fullest potential. Throughout his nursing career, he has remained committed to strengthening healthcare systems while creating environments where nurses feel empowered to grow and patients receive exceptional care. As a 2026 Illinois Nurses Foundation 40 Under 40 Awardee, Anthony continues to lead with authenticity, believing that the greatest measure of success is the people you inspire along the way.
A Career Built on Opportunity
Anthony began his nursing career after earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Xavier University in 2010 before later completing a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Administration and Management from Aspen University. He started as a staff nurse in rehabilitation and telemetry at Advocate Christ Medical Center and Advocate South Suburban Hospital, where he quickly discovered a passion for improving healthcare systems while delivering compassionate patient care.
Over the years, Anthony embraced opportunities across rehabilitation, medical-surgical nursing, cardiac care, dialysis, throughput operations, and emergency services. His willingness to continue learning and take on new challenges led him through leadership roles including Charge RN, Assistant Clinical Manager, Clinical Manager, Manager of Clinical Operations, Director of Nursing Operations, and now Director of Emergency Services at Advocate Christ Medical Center. His journey reflects a belief he now shares with others: there is no single path to success in nursing, only a commitment to learning, growing, and serving wherever you are called.
Leading People, Strengthening Teams
Anthony is passionate about developing strong nursing teams and creating workplace cultures where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. He believes that mentorship is one of the most meaningful responsibilities of leadership and considers helping others grow to be one of the driving forces behind his career.
Whether navigating operational challenges, supporting frontline caregivers, or mentoring emerging leaders, Anthony remains focused on building resilient teams capable of delivering outstanding patient care. For him, leadership is never about titles, it’s about creating opportunities for others to thrive.
Serving with Purpose
Among Anthony’s proudest accomplishments are the initiatives he has led to improve hospital throughput, patient flow, and surge capacity during periods of significant operational demand. Through the work of the Clinical Resource Unit and Emergency Department, he has helped strengthen patient access while maintaining high standards of safety and quality.
These collaborative efforts earned recognition through Advocate Christ Medical Center’s Stronger Together Team Award, reflecting the dedication and resilience of the nursing teams he serves alongside. Anthony has also been honored as Advocate Christ Medical Center’s Nurse Leader of the Year and recognized by the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders as a 40 Under 40 recipient, achievements he views as a reflection of the incredible teams and mentors who have supported his journey.
Outside of work, Anthony considers himself a lifelong learner who values authenticity, meaningful relationships, and continuous growth. He is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of his wife, Joanna, and treasures raising their four sons together. More than any professional achievement, he hopes to be a positive role model for his family, demonstrating that true leadership is grounded in humility, service, and caring for others.
The Illinois Nurses Foundation proudly recognizes Anthony Lambert as a 2026 40 Under 40 Awardee for his dedication to nursing leadership, operational excellence, mentorship, and strengthening healthcare teams. Through his servant leadership and commitment to empowering others, he continues to inspire nurses while improving the care of patients and families throughout Illinois.
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