HRRMC names Marissa “Nika” Starr as new Vice President of Patient Care Services
SALIDA, Colo.—Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC) is delighted to announce that Marissa “Nika” Starr, FNP, WCC, NE-BC has accepted the leadership role of Vice President of Patient Care Services. Ms. Starr assumes this role on Monday, April 6, 2026.
Ms. Starr started her career at HRRMC in 2011 as a Patient Educator, quickly creating and implementing efficiencies with discharge processes. Since then, she has held numerous managerial positions and received several promotions within the organization, highlighting her dedicated and efficient work ethic.
“Throughout her 15+ year tenure with HRRMC, Nika has demonstrated a resounding commitment to nursing excellence, organizational optimization and growth, and patient-driven initiatives, while leading her teams with respect, enthusiasm and compassion,” shared John Tucker, HRRMC CEO. “It is with this positive and successful approach that we are thrilled to see Nika move into an executive leadership role, continuing to grow, mentor and lead great teams.”
Ms. Starr received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. After spending some time working as a personal trainer, she decided to return to school to become a nurse. Ms. Starr received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from a rigorous, one-year accelerated program at Regis University in Denver, Colorado.
In 2018, she completed her Master of Science degree in Nursing with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner, while working full-time as the manager of the case management, discharge planning and medical-surgical units. In 2019, Ms. Starr transitioned to working as a medical provider part-time at the Buena Vista Health Center walk-in clinic while managing multiple inpatient units at the hospital. In 2020, Ms. Starr was promoted to Director of Inpatient Services, overseeing all inpatient departments (including Medical-Surgical, Intensive Care Unit, Family Birthing Center, Case Management/Discharge Planning), as well as nursing supervisors.
Ms. Starr will support the transition and succession plan for her previous position of Director of Inpatient Services as she begins in her new role as Vice President. For questions, please call (719) 530-2217.
